Superal charges back as Ardina falters

MANILA, Philippines - Princess Superal fired a four-under 67 to move up to second as erstwhile joint leader Dottie Ardina lost her putting touch and hobbled with a 75, enabling Malaysian Kelly Tan to seize the solo lead in the second round of the Malaysian Ladies Amateur in Bukit Kiara, Malaysia late Wednesday.

Superal, runner-up in this year’s Philippine Ladies Open who matched par 71 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club Tuesday, recovered from a bogey mishap on No. 2 as she rammed in five birdies inside eight feet, including a long one on the par-3 17th to assume the challenger’s role at 138.

But she stood three strokes behind Tan, who sustained her form and matched Superal’s 67 to grab the solo lead at 135 heading to the final round of the 54-hole tournament that also drew the leading players from Australia, Thailand, Singapore, India, Taiwan and Korea.

Ardina, who had a near-flawless 68 in the opening round, flubbed four par putts inside six feet and limped home with a three-over 75, tumbling down to fifth place at 143, eight shots adrift of Tan.

Another Malaysian, Aretha Pan, carded a 69 for solo third at 140 while Thai Savitong Thavong made her move with a 70 for a 141.

Jayvie Agojo, just two shots behind the leaders in the first round, also struggled all day and finished with a 75 to slip to 145 while ICTSI teammates Sarah Ababa and Lovelynn Guioguio likewise bowed out of contention with a pair of 76s for a 148 and 150, respectively.