Heidi opens title defense today

Heidi Chua kicks off her title-retention bid in the 41st edition of Philippine Ladies Open golf championship today at the exclusive Manila Golf Club inside Forbes Park with practically the same group of local rivals she beat the last time up.

After taking a month-long break from the game, Chua returns to competitive action with national teammates Ria Denise Quiazon and Aileen Rose Yao looming as the biggest threats to her repeat bid.

Jungolf standout Jayvie Agojo and Carmelette Villaroman complete the short list of local challengers although the comebacking Yvette de Leon, the 1987 winner and ex-pro who has reverted to amateur status, may pull off a surprise.

There are 82 players from eight countries entered in the 54-hole tourney organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP). Countries represented are Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, United States, England, Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

Out to crowd the local favorites in the title chase are several Thai and Malaysian national players who may be here to size up the top locals for the other regional tilts after the golf event of the SEA Games in Vietnam had been scrapped.

Chua said that her 2002 schedule proved too hectic that she had to stay away from the game for almost the whole of last month. Now she’s just hoping for the best.

"It was a very hectic year with a lot of traveling in the United States and the national team. I had to lie low for a while so going to the Open, I’ll just try to rely on whatever I gained last year," Chua said.

Chua teamed up with Quiazon and Villaroman in the Busan Asian Games last year where they won the bronze medal then was joined by Yao and Villaroman in the Malaysia world amateurs.

Sponsors are Pagcor, PCSO, PSC, ICTSI, Nestle, PLDT, Rustan’s, International Distillery, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Golden Donuts, Sentry, RCBC, Crucible Gallery, Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc., Gerry Handog, Jun Agojo, Dave Floro and Albert Yao.

The traditional tournament eve ceremonials ushered in the event yesterday where NGAP president Rod Feliciano, Manila Golf Club president OV Espiritu and ICTSI president Ricky Razon were invited to hit the ceremonials together with WGAP president Gina Tuason.