Key ranking points staked at Beverly Place stop

Tristan Padilla and Shinichi Suzuki have yet to sign up for the ICTSI Beverly Place Junior PGT Championship in San Fernando, Pampanga next week, and that gives a pack chasing berths to the Elite Finals the chance to gain important ranking points in the boys’ 15-18 category.

The winner of the last two legs, Padilla, the standout from Manila Southwoods, has practically locked up a spot in the North squad for the culminating event, with Suzuki running a close second even as the race for top honors in the younger divisions resumes on June 1.

Rafa Anciano and Levonne Talion head a talented girls’ 15-18 field that also includes Chloe Rada, Kendra Garingalao, Maven Pallasigui and Ayesha Salino in the 54-hole tournament.

Wide-open leg

Should Padilla and Suzuki decide to take breathers, Bien Fajardo will headline the charge in the centerpiece division together with Jakob Taruc, Santi Asuncion and Stefano Tami as the race for precious ranking points tightens further heading into the Luzon Series finale at Eagle Ridge on June 17.

The girls’ 11-14 division, where top-ranked Mavis Espedido and Cailey Gonzales, brace for a challenge from Ronee Dungca, Tyra Garingalo, Kelsey Bernardino and Penelope Sy in what shapes up as another tightly contested race.

The boys’ 11-14 class is equally loaded, with Javie Bautista, Chan Ahn and the surging Race Manhit tipped to figure prominently in the fight for top honors. Jacob Casuga, Ryuichi Tao and Jose Luis Espinosa are also out to strengthen their respective campaigns with strong performances.

Andrea Dee hopes to boost her drive for a finals berth as she chases a second leg victory in the girls’ 7-10 after ruling the Summit Point stop. The rising talent from Quezon City currently ranks third with 27 points from two tournaments and needs one more start to satisfy the minimum three-tournament requirement for finals qualification.

Winter Serapio has already secured a berth in the finale after sweeping three legs for 45 points, while Jehanne Mendoza sits at No. 2 with 30 points.