Ladies defending champion Anya Tanpinco and ICTSI Team mainstay Joey Huerva will lead Bacolod bets in their respective divisions when the 2008 Philippine Amateur Golf Championships open May 28 to June 1 at the Negros Occidental Golf & Country Club in Marapara, Bacolod City.

The two will face stiff opposition from a tough field consisting of national team players and amateur stars from Tommy Manotoc’s Calatagan, Luigi Yulo’s Canlubang, as well as the pool of talents from Ricky Razon backed ICTSI National Golf Team.

In last year’s finals, Tanpinco outclassed Sunshine Baraquiel to clinch the women’s crown via a lopsided 10 and 8 victory at the Iloilo Golf Club. This time, Tanpinco will sweat it out with current RP Ladies Open Champion Chihiro Ikeda who recently ruled the Thai Juniors International.

Meanwhile, Huerva, seeded 5th in stroke play in last year’s Philipine Amateur finals, will have his hands full facing defending champion Anthony Fernando who routed Mario Labajo, 8 and 7 in last year’s finals.

The 17-year-old Huerva will continue to bank on his fine form gained from his outstanding performance in last month’s PAL Interclub and having captured the Best Gross Champion in last week’s Manila Southwoods Invitational.

Out to provide excitement in this year’s tournament, held in honor of the country’s golfing great Luis “Golem” Silverio, are national team members Ferdie Aunzo, Mark Fernando, Jhonnel Ababa, and former national jungolf star Tonlits Asistio. Also expected are international entries coming from the national team of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, and other Asian countries.

The event is a 36-hole stroke play with the top 32 for men’s and top 16 for women’s advancing to the matchplay finals.

Spicing up the tournament will be the senior’s matchplay among the country’s golfing elders having handicap index 8.6 and below, with 36-hole stroke play qualifying to be staged May 28 to 29.*

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