NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – Rupert Zaragosa proved once more that accuracy beats power, delivering a clinical 66 in the final round to seize back-to-back victories at the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic, edging out the Tour’s longest hitters with a commanding two-shot win at Marapara Golf and Country Club.
The 26-year-old precision player capped his 72-hole campaign at 14-under 266, fending off the power-driven charge of Keanu Jahns, Aidric Chan, and Clyde Mondilla to pocket the ₱354,000 champion’s purse. The triumph, his second straight at Marapara, carried greater weight this year as it came over a full-length four-day test.
“This one is more memorable – first, it was a four-day tournament, and it was the first time my mom and my sister Precious were there to witness me win on Tour,” Zaragosa said in Filipino.
Zaragosa set the tone early with a birdie on the opening hole, stayed composed against relentless firepower, and nailed a clutch birdie on the 16th for a three-shot cushion. Though nerves crept in on the final tee, he steadied himself to close out the win.
“I don’t know why, but I felt the most pressure when I stepped onto the 18th tee,” he admitted. “I really wanted this win as I try to build confidence heading into my campaign in Japan next month.”
Jahns fired a 67, Chan a spotless 66, and Mondilla matched with a 66 highlighted by an eagle on the 14th. The three shared runner-up honors at 12-under 268, each earning ₱155,333.
Russell Bautista finished solo fifth at 272, while Collin Wheeler (65), Nilo Salahog (66) and Angelo Que (67) tied for sixth at 273. Zanieboy Gialon, Fidel Concepcion and Sean Ramos settled for joint ninth at 274.
“The layout of the course really suits my game. Most of my second shots were just wedges,” Zaragosa said, pointing to his iron play as the decisive edge.
The victory not only stalled Jahns’ bid for a third consecutive title but also underscored a powerful message: Zaragosa’s brand of patience and precision can dismantle the Tour’s heaviest hitters./PN
