Ikeda fires 72, finds company at helm

MANILA, Philippines - Chihiro Ikeda hung tough with clutch pars in the closing holes to card a second straight 72 but found a new co-leader in Patricia Garcia of Puerto Rico halfway through the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Friday.

Ikeda rolled in a bending 8-foot birdie putt on No. 15 then parred the last three holes to complete a 36-36 card and remain on top with a 36-hole aggregate of 144.

Garcia matched that output with a solid one-under 71, moving up from joint third to share of the lead with the top ICTSI-backed bet, who overcame a bogey on No. 2 with a six-foot birdie putt on the seventh then dropped another stroke on No. 11 after missing the green.

Still, the 17-year-old Ikeda remained on track of her title bid in the premier girls’ 16-18 division of the annual championship as the joint leaders posted a two-shot lead over American Szu Han Chen and Sasikarn On-iam of Thailand.

Chen and On-iam turned in identical 73s for 146s while Kelly Drack, also of the US, stood a shot farther back at 147 after a 73.

Mia Piccio, the other ICTSI bet in the fold, recovered with 73 after a 75 as she gained a share of sixth place with Nicole Agnello (75) at 148 while reigning RP Ladies Open champion Louise Manalo carded a second 78 for a 156.

The top 35 players after the third will compete in the final round on Sunday.