BAGUIO—With three formidable teams in the field, Januarius is hoping for a breakthrough win in the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational, the longest-running and largest amateur team championship in the world.
Leading the Januarius contingent is the Private Equity squad composed of Jet Mathay, Terence Macatangay, Ray Sangil, Ayon Sanchez, Kirby Lachica and new recruit Masa Otake.
The Januarius Private Equity actually led after two rounds, but breaks didn’t go its way in the final half and eventually finished third in last year’s competition behind Manila Southwoods and Eastridge.
This time, however, team manager Paolo Cagalingan said Januarius wilL once again contend for the title, especially in the premier Fil Championship division.
“We are pitted against national team players and other young guns, who aspire and train daily to turn professional. Our teams are composed mainly of top club players. We have great chemistry and will rely not on their skills but their extensive experience and course knowledge. We are prepared and will contend for the championship,” Cagalingan also said.
For the Am Championship division, the Januarius Truespec will be led by Cagalingan, Charles Hong, Jonar Austria, Marco Olives, RJ Rizada and Migo Ochoa, who made an ace during the practice round.
Januarius Holdings Chairman and CEO JJ Atencio will spearhead the Januarius Private Equity Team 2 with Noel Estrella, Jake Ong, Jett Manuel, Jens Knuttle and Blair Carabuena.