Ikeda fires 68, shares lead in pro debut

MANILA, Philippines - Chihiro Ikeda launched her pro career in grand fashion, firing a solid four-under 68 to force a four-way tie for the lead at the start of the Thailand Open at the Lakewood Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand late Wednesday.

Ikeda, 20, birdied three of the last five holes at the front, including back-to-back from No. 7, to complete a 34-34 card and catch local ace Suwannapura Thidapa and Koreans Lee Eun Kyoung and Bae In Ji at the helm in the 54-hole tournament serving as the third leg of the Ladies Asian Golf Tour.

“It’s beginner’s luck,” said Ikeda as she tried to downplay her remarkable debut in the pro ranks. “I hope to do the same or even shoot better tomorrow (today) and put myself in contention in the final round.”

Ikeda, last year’s Philippine Ladies Open champion and former SEA Games gold medalist, tried her luck on the Japan LPGA Tour late last year and hurdled three tough qualifiers to gain a card on the lucrative circuit. That prompted the former spearhead of the ICTSI ladies golf squad to turn pro, passing up her chance to defend her Phl Ladies Open title last month.

“She’s ripe for the pros and the Lakewood course suits her game. I just hope she stays focused and sustains her form,” said long-time mentor and ICTSI and national ladies team coach Bong Lopez.