MANILA – Homegrown talent Lucas Revilleza came up with an impressive performance in the opening round of the ICTSI Junior PGT Championship at the Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao City Monday.

The 8-year-old Revilleza used his familiarity with the challenging layout, firing four birdies against three bogeys to register a one-under 71 and share the lead with Cagayan de Oro's Jamie Barnes in the boys’ 7-10 division.

“I was really nervous at first, but I just focused and trusted. I hope I can win it in my home course," said the Rizal Memorial Colleges Inc. student who is eyeing a two-under total to claim his first win in the four-leg Mindanao swing. He placed third at Del Monte, second at Pueblo de Oro, and third again at South Pacific.

Barnes, trailing Revilleza by three shots late in the round after a double bogey on the par-3 11th, birdied Nos. 13 and 14. He capped off his round with back-to-back birdies to match Revilleza at one-under.

“I think I played well and made a lot of birdies. I like the course. It’s hard, but the greens are pretty easy. I’m not used to playing on slow greens – I like the fast ones. Hopefully, I can win again," said Barnes, who swept the first three legs of the Mindanao series in an impressive JPGT debut.

Cebu’s Kvan Alburo was at third with a 77, while Shaqeeq Tanog and James Rolida posted rounds of 85 and 90, respectively.

In the girls division, Davaoeña Soleil Molde stayed on track for back-to-back titles despite a 78.

Pueblo de Oro winner Claren Quiño finished with an 89, while Zoey Mascariñas and Kassandra Morente carded 93 and 103, respectively.

“I struggled with my driving and putting, but I’m confident. God is with me and it’s all up to Him. We’re gonna plan – and let God do the bigger one," said Molde, who dominated the Del Monte leg. (PNA)