We use cookies to ensure you get the best browsing experience. By continued use, you agree to our privacy policy and accept our use of such cookies. For further information, click FIND OUT MORE.
Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.
Lipa City — The only thing certain heading into the final round is that a Filipino will keep hold of the trophy. Elmer Salvador’s long wait to victory came on the day of his birthday as he topped the P2.5milion 93rd Philippine Open at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club. The journeyman pro Salvador, a former lake and tee boy in his hometown Davao City, shot a three-under-par 69 for a 17-under-par 271 total to zoom to a three-stroke triumph over Guido Van der Valk of the Netherlands. More important, another Filipino will continue the reign from dethroned champ Angelo Que.
Philippine Open champion Elmer Salvador, center, receives his trophy and symbolic check from National Golf Association of the Philippines VP Comm. Danny Pizarro, left, Mount Malarayat chairman Antonio Turalba Sr., left, and director Pablo Soon, 2nd from right. Judson Eustaquio (right) was the low amateur champion. GMANews.TV
“This is like the best birthday and Christmas gift rolled into one. I would have never imagined any other ending today," said the now 40-year-old Salvador, who pocketed P410,000 for his third crown this year following his successes in the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour. Tied after 10 holes, Salvador took the lead for good on the 11th where he made a scrambling par then watched Guido drop a shot. Inspired, he put the pressure on his foreign rival by saving pars on Nos. 14 and 15 — something which the Dutchman failed to capitalize. “My confidence solidified at No. 11. At that moment, I knew it was only a matter of time for a sweet win. I saw in his (Van der Valk’s) face that he felt too much pressure so I grabbed the chance to pound it even harder on him," Salvador said. Salvador finished off the job with birdies on the 16th and 18th. “You’ve got to hand it to Elmer (Salvador). He was just superb all week. Congratulations to him," said Van der Valk, who carded an even-par 72 for a 14-under 274 overall and pocketed P290,000. Antonio Lascuna shot a three-under 69 for 277 to grab second runner-up honors and P160,000. Artemio Murakami (71) and Angelo Que (72) were at identical 278s. Benjie Magada was at solo sixth with 68-280, his highlight coming at the par-three, 157-yard No. 17 where he made a hole-in-one. Frankie Miñoza, who shot his way into contention in the second round with a seven-under 65, ended with an eagle on the 18th for a one-under 71 at 281 and shared seventh spot with Michael Bibat, who scored a level 72. Danny Zarate (71-282) was at ninth while Jay Bayron (69), Richard Sinfuego (73) and Ferdie Aunzo (73) rounded up the top 10 with 283s. In the low amateur side, Judson Eustaquio, a member of the bronze medal-winning RP team in the recent Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, assembled a 72-286 to edge out Rufino Bayron’s 74-287. – Adrian Flores, GMANews.TV
GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
