Fiery showdown up as PGTA Pradera begins

LUBAO, Pampanga – Three of the big guns hinted at an explosive outing in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Classic firing off today here, armed with a confidence bolstered by their recent feats in the Philippine Golf Tour, PGT Asia and elsewhere.

But Aussie Damien Jordan and local aces Jhonnel Ababa and Clyde Mondilla expect a tough challenge from the rest of the 80-player field even as they brace for a four-day test of power and will in hot conditions at the wind-raked Pradera Verde layout.

“I feel good, confident after winning the Aboitiz Invitational,” said Jordan ahead of his showdown with Jay Bayron and James Ryan Lam in one of the featured flights at 7:50 a.m. on No. 1.

The Aussie ace, however, said he is wary of the heat and a windy week at the flat, hazard-laden course while others expressed concern over the layout’s last line of defense.

“I need to ready myself and drink lots of water,” he added.

“The course is tough. The greens are unreceptive and sleek,” said Ababa, out to defend the crown he won by two over Aussie Andrew Campbell last year.

“But I’m ready. If I lead in the first two rounds, I feel I can win it the second time,” said winningest player on PGT Asia (with three victories), who drew Dutch Guido Van der Valk and Erwin Arcillas in the 8:10 a.m. flight on No. 10.

Jordan, Bayron (Southwoods), Lam (CAT Open), Ababa (Forest Hills) and Aussie David Gleeson (Luisita) are seeking to become the first two-leg winner on the second season of the circuit put up by ICTSI, all coming into the event upbeat of their respective chances.

Mondilla, who averted a winless 2018 with a victory at PGT’s Luisita Championship last October, also exudes confidence following a successful stint in the recent Asian Tour Qualifying School where he tied for 16th to earn a full card status.

“Coming from the Q-School, I feel confident of my chances,” said Mondilla.