Ababa remains on top after 74

Manila, Philippines - Sarah Ababa played a bit steady in cold condition and turned in a one-over par 74, staying on top with a one-stroke lead over new pursuer Laura Hoskin in the second round of the South Island 19-under tournament at the Timaru Golf Course in Timaru, New Zealand Wednesday.

Ababa, 16, actually rallied with back-to-back birdies from No. 11 to buck a shaky frontside stint at the par-73 layout where she dropped shots on Nos. 2 and 6.

The ICTSI-backed bet made another bogey on No. 10 but fought back with those two birdies to post a 36-hole aggregate of 149 and hold off a rallying Hoskin, who fired the day’s best one-under 72.

Hoskin, who bundled out Ababa in the first round of match play in the New Zealand Amateur Championship in Christchurch last week, poised herself for a shot at the crown by moving into second at 150.

Fai Tongdethsri made a second straight 76 and dropped to third at 152 in a tie with Jesse Hamilton, who fought back with a 73, heading into the final round of the 54-hole tournament.

“I’ve been hitting it well but it’s tough playing in this kind of weather. I’ll give it my best shot to win,” said Ababa, who with Jayvie Agojo won the NZ Foursomes championships two weeks ago.

 also in Christchurch.