BAGUIO CITY -- Unexpected heavy rains fell hard and forced organizers to suspend play twice but those were not enough to derail the determined Luisita and Manila Southwoods Team 2 from claiming the Fil and Am championship titles at the close of the seniors’ edition of the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational.

Luisita assembled another 121 points to finish the tournament at 448 in the Fil Championship while runner up Manila Southwoods Team 1 returned with 114 for 443.

Abe Rosal showed why he was Luisita's consistent performer as he led the way with 34 points. Benjie Sumulong scored 30 and Damas Wong and Ferdie Barbosa contributed 29 and 28 for Luisita.

Manila Southwoods Team 2 ruled the Am Championship with 412 after an 85 as Jun Plana made 31 and Raul Miñoza and Judd Roy submitted 28s. The fourth score to count was Manfred Guangko’s 27.

Srixon-IMG placed second with 83-403 followed by Greenwater Seniors 88-395.

Weather was fine until the first wave of rain came in the mid-morning. The game resumed but then strong rain marred the final round once again. The organizers allowed the morning starters, including the championship flights, to complete their four rounds at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay courses.

“We survived two rain delays and the round for almost nine hours. The championship was only decided in the last few holes and we were fortunate to withstand the pressure and win in the end,” said Luisita non playing captain Jeric Hechanova.

Actually, Luisita had seized the lead with a two-point lead in the second stoppage. When the players came back, the Luisitans returned stronger and competed steadily against the fast greens of CJH.

“This was one of our more satisfying wins,” added Hechanova, who will not be concentrating on preparations for the PAL Interclub in February next year.

Camp John Hay Golf Club’s Teams 1 and 2 dominated the Fil and Am A divisions to score a consecutive double victory.

Others winners are: Bughaw Golfers (Fil B), MCG-Mimosa (Am B), Silicon Valley (Fil C), Project Lazarus (Am C), Kalabaw-Megafiber (Fil D), Davao Eagle Masters 2 (Am D), Caliphil-Hawaii (Fil E), Sandigan Golfers 2 (Am E), Nueva Ecija Travellers (Regular Fil F) and Team Foretee (Regular Am F).

Championship Scores:

Fil – Luisita 448, Manila Southwoods-1 443, Riviera 431, Forest Hills Nicklaus 426, Summit Point 356

Am – Manila Southwoods-2 412, Srixon-IMG 403, Greenwater Seniors 395, Baguio Blue Bloods 343, Leeward Filam 228