Hernandez, Sarines crush field, eye Match Play crowns

MANILA, Philippines — Jet Hernandez and Lisa Sarines turned the final round of the National Stroke Play Championship into little more than a victory procession, completing emphatic wire-to-wire triumphs at Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club's demanding Pinatubo course in Lubao, Pampanga on Saturday.

Their overwhelming performances were so dominant that both had effectively settled the outcome after just 54 holes of the 72-hole championship, leaving the closing round as a mere formality before they celebrated runaway victories that underscored the gulf between themselves and the rest of the field.

Hernandez sustained the brilliant form that enabled him to seize control midway through the tournament, closing with a two-under 70 for a staggering 19-under 269 total. His 22-shot demolition of fellow national pool standouts Chris Remata and Rolando Bregente was one of the most lopsided victories in recent championship memory.

Sarines, meanwhile, hardly needed to force the issue in the final round. Protecting a commanding overnight advantage, she mixed one birdie with three bogeys and a double bogey for a 76, more than enough to complete a dominant 15-shot victory over Tashanah Balangauan.

The championships showcased not only Hernandez and Sarines' consistency over four rounds but also their ability to overwhelm quality opposition from the outset.

Hernandez was simply in a different class throughout the week. He fired twin rounds of 65 to build a massive halfway lead before expertly managing the final two rounds over one of the country's more demanding layouts. Even as he eased off the accelerator down the stretch, no one came close to threatening his supremacy.

Remata mounted the day's best charge but it came far too late. After reaching four-under through 14 holes, he faltered with costly mistakes on Nos. 15 and 17, settling for a 70 and a 291.

Rolando Bregente also finished with a three-over card overall after a closing 74. He appeared headed for solo runner-up honors before three bogeys over his last five holes dropped him into a tie for second.

Sarines imposed her authority just as decisively in the women's division.

An opening 70 followed by a second-round 72 gave the national standout complete control of the tournament, allowing her to comfortably absorb an erratic closing 76 while still finishing at 287.

Balangauan also struggled in the final round, carding a 76 to finish a distant second at 302, while Precious Zaragosa matched that score to secure third place at 307 as the top three positions remained unchanged from the opening day.

The convincing victories provide Hernandez and Sarines with plenty of momentum heading into next week's Philippine Amateur Open at Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac, where the country's premier amateurs will battle under the Match Play format.

Given the confidence both displayed at Pradera Verde, the two national standouts loom as serious contenders to complete another title sweep if they decide to tee it up.

Hernandez, whose steady all-around game and exceptional ball-striking proved perfectly suited for stroke play, now carries the aura of the player to beat in head-to-head competition. His ability to pile up birdies while avoiding costly mistakes makes him an equally dangerous opponent in match play, where sustained momentum often decides matches.

The ICTSI-backed Sarines likewise heads to Luisita brimming with confidence after another commanding display. While she expects much tougher opposition in the knockout format, her composed play and consistency make her one of the favorites to contend for another national crown.

Beyond the Amateur Open, Sarines is also gearing up for another marquee event – the Junior PGT Elite Finals in Cagayan de Oro in two weeks. She will spearhead Team North in the premier 15-18 division of the Ryder Cup-style competition, where Balangauan and Zaragosa will lead Team South in what promises to be another compelling showdown among the country's brightest young talents.

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