Zaragosa targets W Express crown

Rupert Zaragosa hopes to give his pro bid a big boost as he shoots for the W Express RVF Cup Amateur Golf Championship crown beginning tomorrow at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club’s North Course in Laguna.

The former national champion and many-time winner of various tournaments in the ranks tied for second in the recent Qualifying School to gain a full card in the pro circuit which resumes next month.

The diminutive shotmaker is looking for no less than a victory to cap a sterling amateur career on a course he calls home.

But he will be as much tested as the rest of the cast in men’s play, including Aidric Chan, Carl Corpus and Sean Ramos along with Don Petil, Jolo Magcalayo, Pierre Ticzon, Paolo Wong, Kristoffer Arevalo, Leandro Bagtas, Weiyu Gao, David Guangco, Jonas Magcalayo and Josh Jorge.

That should ensure four days action among the cream of the crop with a slew of rising junior players also out to make their mark in the annual championship held in honor of the late National Golf Association of the Philippines president and long-time golf patron Rod V Feliciano.

Also tipped to contend in the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation and Cangolf and held as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Tour are Koreans Lee Sang Min, Rho Hyun Ho, Kim Tae Soo, Jung Jae Hyun and Kim Sang Jin.

Spicing up the event is the Special Division for boys and girls serving as part of NGAP’s grassroots program, featuring the youngsters from Apo and Del Monte.

The practice round is set today.

Details: NGAP at telefax (02) 706-5926 or email ngap2009handicap@yahoo.com or at Cangolf at (049) 543-2670 or visit www.ngaponline.netor www. facebook.com/ngap/circuit.