Lascuña, Pactolerin dominate Stronghold Insurance Senior Open

LascuÃ±a, Pactolerin dominate Stronghold Insurance Senior Open

Tony Lascuña (left) and Robert Pactolerin

Contributed photos

MANILA, Philippines — Tony Lascuña ended a long title drought on the regular pro circuit by capturing the Stronghold Insurance Senior Open title with a commanding five-stroke victory over Mars Pucay after closing with an even-par 72 on Wednesday at the Hallow Ridge Filipinas Golf Club.

Lascuña finished with a 54-hole total of four-under 212, securing the 50-59 (Senior) division crown. Pucay carded a second straight 71 to place second at 217 on the demanding, tree-lined par-72 layout, with Rico Depilo firing a 73 highlighted by an eagle to claim third at 220.

“It’s been a while since I last won,” said Lascuña, whose most recent Philippine Golf Tour victory came at Splendido last year. He went winless in the recently concluded PGT season, with his best finish being third at Apo Golf in Davao.

“This is special because it gives me confidence that I can still compete at a high level,” he added.

Rey Pagunsan stumbled with a 78 to settle for fourth at 225, while Orlan Sumcad closed with a 74 to finish fifth at 229.

In the Super Senior (60-69) division, Robert Pactolerin matched Lascuña’s dominant performance by romping to a 10-stroke triumph over Domingo Umadhay, topping the field with a 225 total after a closing 76.

Umadhay shot a 79 for 235, while Danilo delos Santos rallied with a 75 to finish third at 237. Japan’s Tanaka Kosuke slid to 240 after struggling to an 81.

Former Philippine Open champion Mario Manubay bounced back with an 80 to place fifth, two shots behind Rey Janaya, who took fourth with a 77.

For Pactolerin, the victory ended a 13-year title drought.

“This is definitely special because it comes 13 years after my last win,” said the 63-year-old 1990 Philippine Open champion in Filipino. “I will cherish this because competing is really in my blood.”

Sharing the spotlight was Fabian del Rosario, who edged Dave Hernandez in sudden death to claim the Legends (70-and-above) division title played over 18 holes. Del Rosario secured the win with a routine par on No. 1 as Hernandez failed to reach the green.

“This is for the love of the game,” Stronghold Insurance president and general manager Romulo delos Reyes, Jr. told the field during the awarding ceremony, where all participants, including those who missed the cut, enjoyed a hearty meal and tournament giveaways.

“We will expand this tournament next year and aim to form a Philippine team that can compete in international circuits,” he added.