– Coming off an impressive runner-up finish in the previous Philippine Golf Tour event at Forest Hills, Rupert Zaragosa is poised to defend his title at the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge here. The P2.5 million championship presented by MORE Electric and Power Corp.
kicks off Tuesday, Oct. 8. at the short but demanding Iloilo Golf and Country Club, where Zaragosa clinched his maiden Tour win in dominant fashion last year, triumphing by nine strokes over Tony Lascuña, one of the country’s most accomplished golfers.
Zaragosa’s consistent performances this season highlight his readiness to chase a second career victory. Since finishing tied for 22nd at the circuit’s opening leg in Apo, Zaragosa has placed no lower than 14th in the following six tournaments, including a second-place finish behind Keanu Jahns at last month’s ICTSI Forest Hills Classic. His sharp form and competitive mindset will be crucial as he seeks to repeat his success in Iloilo.
However, the field remains formidable, with several top competitors eager to challenge Zaragosa’s reign. Winners from this season’s legs – Jhonnel Ababa (Apo), Clyde Mondilla (Caliraya Springs), Angelo Que (Philippine Masters), and Lascuña (Splendido Taal) – are all looking to secure a second victory before the Tour heads into its final two stages. While Palos Verdes leg winner Lloyd Go, Lakewood champion Sean Ramos, and Jahns have opted to skip this week’s event due to prior commitments, the tournament will still.