Pinays reach New Zealand golf QF

MANILA, Philippines - Jayvie Agojo, Lovelynn Guioguio and Chihiro Ikeda each posted back-to-back victories Saturday to roll into the quarterfinal round of the match play event of the 2011 New Zealand Women’s Amateur Golf Championship in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Agojo, seeking a followup to her victory in last week’s NZ Foursomes with ICTSI teammate Sarah Ababa, needed an extra hole to nip Hanna Seifert, 1-up, in the first round of the knockout phase then clobbered Jaime McIvor, 5&3, in the second round to make it to the Last 8.

Guioguio also edged Emily Eng, 1-up, in the morning match then dominated Saini Skudder, 5&4, in the afternoon to arrange a quarterfinal showdown with world No. 2 and stroke play champion Lydia Ko.

Ikeda, chasing another crown after winning the Philippine Ladies Amateur and the Southern Ladies Open crowns, routed Grace Senior, 7&6, in the first round then fashioned out a 3&2 romp over Kate Chadwik in the last 16 phase.

“After scoring two wins in the day, the girls are excited of their chances. They are in high spirits and oozing with confidence. I just hope they will sustain their form in the quarters,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez.

The Fil-Japanese spearhead of the ICTSI golf squad will play Julianne Alvarez for a berth in the semifinal round of NZ’s premier amateur championship. Alvarez ripped Brianna Maynard, 4&3, then whipped Ceyln Khoo, 7&6, in the second round.

Agojo, who placed third in the stroke play event, battles Caryn Khoo in the lower bracket. after the latter beat Jesse Hamilton, 3&2.