DAVAO – Kristoffer Arevalo emerged as the top contender after salvaging a one-under-par 71 in the third round of the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic at the formidable Apo course on Thursday.
Arevalo found himself atop a leaderboard brimming with renowned names at two-over 218, edging past reigning Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner Jhonnel Ababa by a solitary stroke and holding a slim advantage over three other formidable challengers.
The unpredictable nature of the course has witnessed a new frontrunner emerge every day since the commencement of the 2.5 million championship, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in this year’s inaugural leg of the 10-leg circuit.
Despite the weight on his shoulders, the 24-year-old Arevalo exudes remarkable composure, drawing on his extensive tournament experience to navigate the pressure-cooker situation.
“Honestly, I don’t feel any pressure,” asserted Arevalo confidently. “One thing I’ve learned from winning numerous tournaments while growing up is to just play, literally play.”
“If pressure creeps in, it can really affect my performance. But if I stick to my game plan, I won’t feel any (pressure),” he added.
Nonetheless, Arevalo faces tough competition from Ababa and a surging Guido van der Valk, necessitating meticulous planning and flawless execution in the final 18 holes.
Ababa staged a spirited comeback, notching four birdies against a lone bogey in the last seven holes to remain firmly in contention at 219 despite carding a 76, while van der Valk intensified his bid with a 73 highlighted by a crucial birdie on No. 18.
Van der Valk was joined by Jay Bayron and Korean Minwook Gwon, who shot a 74 and 76, respectively.
Jahns, runner-up to Tony Lascuña in 2019, mounted a strong resurgence with a 72 to tie Lascuña, who faltered with a 76, and Korean Hyun Ho Rho, who carded a second straight 73, at 221, while Zanieboy Gialon secured sole possession of ninth place at 222, also after a four-over card.
In the heat of intense competition, Arevalo underscores the importance of proper nutrition to sustain peak performance on the demanding course.
“I bring along sandwiches and cold drinks. It gets scorching out there, and I need to adhere to my regimen,” shared Arevalo.
Approaching the final round with eager anticipation, he remains steadfast in adhering to his game plan, mindful of golf’s unpredictability and the daunting challenges that lie ahead.
“I’m not sure if I’m playing exceptionally well, but I won’t dwell on the fact that I’m leading. I’ll just stay focused on executing my game plan,” affirmed Arevalo, who made four cuts in seven tournaments during his rookie season last year.
The leading scores after the third round:
218 – Kristoffer Arevalo 79-68-71
219 – Jhonnel Ababa 73-70-76
220 – Jay Bayron 74-72-74, Minwook Gwon 73-71-76, Guido van der Valk 75-72-73
221 – Keanu Jahns 75-74-72, Tony Lascuna 75-70-76, Rho Hyun Ho 75-73-73
222 – Zanieboy Gialon 73-73-76
223 – Marvin Dumandan 78-75-70, Mars Pucay 75-76-72
224 – Ira Alido 75-73-76, Elee Bisera 77-72-75, Joseph Labajo 79-73-72, Daiya Suzuki 77-74-73, Yu Min Hyeok 75-77-72
225 – Ozeki Kakeru 72-74-79, Ryan Monsalve 76-77-72, Edmar Salvador Jr. 72-75-78, Rupert Zaragosa 75-73-77
226 – Toru Nakajima 77-77-72, Elmer Salvador 74-77-75, Collin Wheeler 77-73-76
227 — Russell Bautista 74-74-79, Michael Bibat 76-76-75, Clyde Mondilla 77-73-77
228 – Luis Bagtas 77-72-79, Randy Garalde 77-76-75, Kei Matsuoka 75-73-80
229 – Art Arbole 77-75-77, Nilo Salahog 74-77-78
230 – Kim Tae Soo 76-77-77
232 – Ferdie Aunzo 80-72-80, Frankie Minoza 77-76-79
