Ababa opens 2-shot lead in Thailand

MANILA, Philippines - Sarah Ababa shot a two-under 72 and posted a two-stroke lead over Thai Benyapa Niphatsophon at the start of the True Visions International Junior Golf Championship at the St. Andrew’s Course in Rayong, Thailand Tuesday.

Ababa hit four birdies, including on No. 13, one of the two par-6s on the par-74 layout, the other on No. 4, against two bogeys to seize control of the field in the 72-hole tournament which ICTSI teammate Dottie Ardina ruled last year.

Niphatsophon carded a 74, India’s Millie Saroha had a 76 while another ICTSI-Phl bet Andie Unson stood six shots off the pace at 78 on a one-birdie, five-bogey stint.

Daniella Uy groped for form and skied to an 82 in the premier Class A division for players 15-20 years old.

However, the ICTSI-Phl squad of Ababa, Unson and Uy, who had a combined 232 output, fell by 11 shots to Thailand’s Niphatsophoin, Danthai Boonma nad Amarin Kraivixien, who pooled a 221 in team competition.