Cervantes takes control at Beverly Place

Jaicee Cervantes thrived under searing heat on Monday, opening up with a four-over-par 75 to gain control of the 7-10 girls’ division in the ICTSI Beverly Place Junior PGT Championship as she attempts to make the Elite Finals via the backdoor.

Having just eight points entering this 36-hole stop in Mexico, Pampanga, the 9-year-old Cervantes needs no less than a win to stay in the running for a spot in the final event of the season that will be played at The Country Club in Laguna, and going all the way here will certainly help her cause.

With a six-shot lead over Andrea Dee, Cervantes can take over the fourth and last spot on the North team in the Elite Finals over the absent Laura Pablo with the final leg to be held at Eagle Ridge next week.

“I will just focus on my putting and not let my emotions get into me,” Cervantes said after draining birdies on Nos. 11, 16 and 17. “I was able to get the tempo and speed in the last nine holes.”

Jehanne Mendoza posted an 86, Adrianna Cabrera and Cecilia Mamauag matched 88s, and Gwyneth Handog and Elizabeth Laurel carded identical 90s and would need really low final rounds to matter on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Georgina Handog continued to flaunt hot form, shooting a 72 for a five-stroke lead over Aerin Chan in the girls’ 11-14 division of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“I was able to sink most of my putts and I got really lucky on some of them,” said the 12-year-old Handog, the Sherwood Hills winner. “I actually hit most of my drives to the right, but I was able to fix them.”

Ronee Dungca shot a 78 for third, while current ranking leaders Mavis Espedido and Cailey Gonzales matched 81s, setting up a fierce final-round battle for precious ranking points.

Ryuichi Tao also kept his Elite Finals bid alive by shooting a 68 to lead the boys’ 11-14, as he held a four-shot lead over John Hay leg winner Javie Bautista and Iñigo Gallardo, who shot identical 72s, and Mount Malarayat titlist Chan Anh and Jacob Casuga, who matched 73s. INQ