MANILA- An early shootout among the country’s top shotmakers and foreign aces both in men’s and ladies divisions is expected as the chase for the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championship crowns begins today at the north course of the Canlubang golf complex in Laguna.

Jobim Carlos, winner of last week’s NGAP National Doubles crown with Raymundo Gonzales, drew reigning Selangor Amateur champion Gregory Foo of Singapore in 9:08 a.m. flight on No. 1 in what promises to be an explosive start in the featured group that includes Cebu’s top bet Lloyd Go and Alabang’s Andres Saldana.

Rupert Zaragosa, the reigning national and junior champion, is paired with Singapore’s junior titlist Gregory Foo in the other key foursome that includes Korean Song Seung Ho of Riviera and Gonzales at 9:17 a.m., also on No. 1.

Carlos, Zaragosa and the other Cangolf bets hope to cash in on their local knowledge of the par-72 layout as they go all out for a strong start in the 72-hole championship.

Focus will also be on the ladies side with defending champion Andie Unson leading the crack roster of the ICTSI-backed bets that includes Dottie Ardina, Jayvie Agojo, Sarah Ababa, Sunshine Baraquiel and Lovelynn Guioguio.

They, however, will have their hands full against a talent-laden foreign challenge headed by reigning Singapore national champion Amelia Yong and teammate Koh Sock Hwee, winner of the 2011 Warren Amateur Open title, and Joey Poh, who finished second to Yong in the Singapore National Open.

Also competing in the event are Malaysians Vivienne Chin and Albright Chong, Indonesian Gianti Mahardika and a host of Koreans from Riviera, Calatagan, Manila Southwoods and Orchard.

Action in the 54-hole ladies division also starts Thursday and Friday with the final round slated Sunday, according to the organizing National Golf Association of the Phils.

Unson is paired with Yong and Seo in the 7:39 flight, guaranteeing an early battle royale among title contenders, Ardina is grouped with Chin and Scheo Soo Yeon in the 8:06 a.m. group, while Agojo drew Claire Amelia Legaspi and Koh in the 7:57 a.m. threesome – all on No. 1.

Other local bets fancied to contend for the ladies crown are Rainstar Roque, Chanelle Avaricio, Princess Superal, Ann Therese Sabater, Rachita Vasandani, Pauline del Rosario, Micah Shin, Apple Fudolin, Ping Jarales and veteran campaigner Eva Minoza.

Joining Carlos, Zaragosa and Gonzales in the hunt for the men’s title are Clyde Mondilla, John Kier Abdon, Art Arbole, Miggy Yee, Noel Langamin, Magno Arancon, Leonard Lofranco, Carlos Packing, Lawrence Celestino, Raymund Inigo, Joseph Uy, Junro Mamaril, Jama Reyes, Wolen Superal, Eugene Bunyi, Rogelio Roque, Miguel Shah, Sebastian Lorenzo, Santiago Lorenzo, Gino Brizuela, Justin Quiban, Miko Alejandro and Brent Sumampong.*PNA

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