MANILA – Denise Mendoza of Cebu and Jamie Barnes of Cagayan de Oro ruled their respective divisions in the 7-10 category of the ICTSI South Pacific Junior PGT Championship in Davao City Thursday.

The 10-year-old Mendoza carded a 77 to win the girls title after posting a 36-hole total of three-under 141 at the challenging South Pacific Golf and Residential Estates course.

“I had a lot of short putts that helped me secure the victory,” said Mendoza, who had a massive 23-stroke lead over Del Monte leg winner Soleil Molde heading into the final round.

Molde carded an 86 for second place at 173. Francesca Geroy had a 93 to place third at 184.

Meanwhile, Barnes tallied 144 after a 73 to secure his straight title after claiming victory at Del Monte and home turf Pueblo de Oro.

Alburo, who also won the Match Play crown last year, carded a 78 to finish second at 158. Miguel Revilleza, who had an 82 for a 161 total, was third.

In the 11-14 category, also played over 36 holes, South Cotabato’s Brittany Tamayo and Jared Saban were crowned champions.

Tamayo carded a 76 for a 145 total to pocket her second title in the girls division.

Del Monte leg winner Kimberly Baroquillo settled for second after a 72 and a 148, while Zuri Bagaloyos was third at 153 after a 75.

“The biggest lessons I learned this week are to focus, visualize, and just enjoy the game,” the 13-year-old Tamayo, a Homeschool Global student, said.

In the boys division, Saban fired an even-par 72 for a 146 total to beat Ken Guillermo by nine strokes.

Guillermo, who topped the Del Monte and Pueblo de Oro legs, placed second with a 77 for a 155. Marcus Dueñas carded a 78 to finish third at 158. (PNA)