Crack foreign field to beef up RP Ladies Open

National players of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia are set to plane in to beef up what promises to be the strongest fields for the Philippine Ladies Open golf championship unfolding Jan. 12 at the Manila Golf Club course inside the posh Forbes Park.

Among the confirmed entries are Nontaya Srisawang and Suteera Chanachai of Thailand, who are both carrying handicaps of 2 while Singapore will be represented by Melissa Loh (handicap 3), Sock Hwee Koh (6), Christabel Goh, Su-ann Heng (6) and Kristle Koh.

The Malaysian Ladies Golf Association recently sent word that they are also fielding bets to the annual 54-hole tourney organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines.

WGAP president Nancy Ortiga said that neighboring countries are sending their national players over as part of their preparations for the Southeast Asian Games, which the country will host next year.

"Though the competitions will be held in another course, I believe they would want to put their players to test against their possible opponents," said Ortiga.

She added that aside from the three countries, the confirmation of players from Hong Kong, Japan and the United States are also being awaited.

Frances Bondad, the Fil-Australian who won last year’s edition of the annual event, is definitely coming back to defend the title, according to Ortiga.

Jayvie Agojo will be spearheading the local contingent along with former champion Carmelette Villaroman and former national players Anya Tanpinco, Aileen Rose Yao and Lora Roberto.

Deadline for submission of entries is on Dec. 30, 2004. Interested parties may call 0917-5295324 for details or email [email protected]. Entry forms are available at Manila Golf Club and may be faxed to 5319190.