Ardina, Superal sweep K Lumpur titles

MANILA, Philippines - Dottie Ardina matched par 72 while Princess Superal carded a 73 to dominate their respective divisions and lead Team ICTSI-Philippines’ impressive 1-2 finishes in the RSGC AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia late Thursday.

Ardina slowed down after a pair of 71s but still proved steady by hitting 12 fairways and 13 greens in regulation, romping off with a seven-stroke victory over teammate Sarah Ababa in the 18-and-under category with a 54-hole haul of 214.

Ababa made a 73 for a 221 while Malaysian Genevieve Ling finished a far third with a 230 after a 78.

Superal, on the other hand, annexed a second international crown in as many weeks, topping the 15-and-under class with a 221, four shots clear of teammate Daniella Uy, who totaled 225 after a 75. Local bet Siti Shaari placed third with a 233 after a 78.

But Jayvie Agojo faltered in Thailand Ladies Amateur Open, wavering with a 39 for a 75 and dropping to joint third with teammate Andrea Unson and three others at 145, three strokes behind Thai Benyapa Niphatsophon, who fired a 70 for a 142 at Green Valley Country Club in Bangkok.

Niphatsophon took a two-shot lead over compatriot Pinrath Loomboonruang, who also made a 70 for a 144 while Unson strung up a pair of 36s for a 72 to join Agojo and Hathaikarn Wongwaikijphaisal, Omnicha Konsunthea and Sasima Anantasiri at third.

Sunshine Baraquiel fired a 71 to tie Lovelynn Guioguio, who carded a second 73 at 146.

Unson and Guioguio’s 145 aggregate also enabled Thailand, which pooled a 142 on Loomboonruang’s 72 and Savitree Thavong’s 70, to tie Team ICTSI-Phl in team competition at 288 heading to the final 18 holes of the championship.