By Inquirer
PINEHURST, North Carolina–Mia Legaspi made up for her stunning Junior World defeat by winning the girls’ 8-and-under division of the US Kids World Championship, even as Miguel Tabuena came from way behind to post a third-place finish Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Pinehurst Golf Club here.
Legaspi two-putted for par from 24 feet on the final hole for a 34 at Pinehurst’s Longleaf course and a 54-hole total of 97, edging Americans Brooke Dillon and Claire Hodges by a shot for her second major title in as many years.
Angel Yin, the California native who foiled Legaspi’s title-retention bid in the Junior World two weeks ago in San Diego, placed fourth this time, four strokes off the winner’s pace.
Tabuena, in 18th place overnight, sizzled with a 69 to bag third place in his farewell stint in the US Kids, where he won the boys’ 10 years division two years ago.
Tabuena wound up at 220, five shots off the winning 215 total of Francesco Ruffino of the United States who also closed with a 69. Another American, Beau Hossier Jr., placed second at 217.
Five other Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines bets posted respectable finishes.
Irina Gabasa and Andie Unson checked in fifth and sixth in the girls’ 10 years division, AR Ramos wound up seventh in the boys’ 10 years, Ryan Monsalve claimed 10th spot in the boys’ 7 years and LK Go was 11th in the girls’ 8-and-under.
Due to their strong showing, Tabuena, Gabasa and Unson also qualified to play in the US Kids World Cup, where 16 standout US entries will clash with the top 16 among international players on Sunday (Monday in Manila).
