LUBAO, Pampanga — Jhonnel Ababa kept his astounding streak of luck on the Philippine Golf Tour Asia (PGTA), besting a horde of rivals with a solid windup to retain the ICTSI Pradera Verde Classic crown by two over Aussie David Gleeson on a closing four-under 68 here yesterday.

Ababa beat at least 10 bidders in the most fiercely fought final round clash in the two-year-old circuit, gunning down three birdies in the last five holes in hot, breezy condition, the last on No. 17 giving him a two-shot cushion over erstwhile pursuers Sam Gillis of the US and Clyde Mondilla, who had wrapped up their respective rounds ahead of the back-to-back champion and Gleeson.

Jhonnel Ababa savors the sweet taste of another PGTA Pradera victory

“Fantastic,” said Ababa, whose 10-under 278 total that included rounds of 68-73-69 netted the diminutive former amateur hotshot his fourth championship, becoming the first player to score back-to-back victories in the region’s newest circuit put up by ICTSI worth another $17,500.

Gleeson, who snared the kickoff leg crown of the second PGTA at Luisita on a three-hole playoff with Erwin Arcillas last April, snatched runner-up honors with an eagle on the par-5 18th, matching Ababa’s closing four-under card for a 270. He pocketed $11,500.

Tags: Aussie David Gleeson , David Gleeson , ICTSI , Jhonnel Ababa , Philippine Golf Tour Asia