Chua fires blistering six-under 66 card, moves up by eight points

Fancied Heidi Chua registered her best tournament score so far of six-under-par 66 equivalent to 60 Molave points yesterday to storm ahead by eight points after the penultimate round of the first Manila Ladies Amateur Open at the west course of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

Upstaged by the unheralded Lora Roberto in the first round, Chua wrested control after she went on a birdie spree at her home course, picking up seven including four in a five-hole span from the seventh.

With a 113 total for 36 holes, Chua tees off today far ahead of Malaysia world amateur teammate Aileen Yao who was at 105 after rounds of 54-51. Asian Gamer Carmelette Villaroman was third at 104 (51-53).

Roberto, who opened up with a 72 or 54 points on Tuesday and grabbed a one-point lead over Chua and Villaroman, could only collect 48 and slipped to fourth at 102.

Ex-pro Divina Delasin could only score 51-45-97 and was in eighth spot.

Event sponsors are Philippine Bank of Communications, Splash Corp., Taylor Made Adidas, Pagcor, Unilever, Welch, Jardin de Paraiso, Brittany, Fortune Tobacco, San Miguel Corp., Orocan, Red Ribbon, Shangri-La Makati, Summit Sports and Spa in Quezon City, Godiva, Mango, Discovery Suites Ortigas, Pan Pacific Hotel in Ermita, TechnoMed, ATR Torres Wines Inc., Coco Gem, Air Philippines, Bingo Bonanza, GNC, Prudential Guarantee & Assurance Inc., Robinsons Galleria, Star Pack, Wilson WS Sports Inc., Nestea Phils., PacSport Phils.

The other leaders were Ersa Arriola in Class A, Cora Singian in Class B and Rosalind Wee in Class C.

Arriola had 92 (45-47) to lead Cherryl Chua by 10, Singian had 64 (33-31) for a one=point lead over Ellen Chua while the half-blind Wee’s 39 (17-22) put her two ahead of Celia Tiu.