Cyna, Jayvie near title showdown

MANILA, Philippines - Cyna Rodriguez sustained her form and blasted Elysia Yap, 6&5, while Jayvie Agojo held off Cassidy Everniaids, 3&2, to cruise into the semifinal round of the South Australia Women’s Amateur Match Play at The Grange Golf Club’s West Course in Australia yesterday.

Rodriguez, who topped the 36-hole stroke play elims of the event, took charge early with her superb all-around game, wrapping up the match after just 12 holes. The top ICTSI-The Country Club bet, who also took the Vesta Cup last week, goes for the finals against Caitlin Roberts.

Agojo, on the other hand, groped for form in the early going but recovered in time to subdue Everniaids and seal a semis duel with Jenny Lee.

Victories by Rodriguez and Agojo, whose Aussie campaign is backed by ICTSI as part of the team’s preparations for various international competitions, will set up an all-Pinay duel for the crown Friday.

Over in Thailand, Princess Superal fired a flawless six-under 66 to trail Thai Sherman Santiwiwatthanapong by three at the start of the Thailand Ladies Amateur Open at the Bangsai Country Club late Wednesday.

The 16-year-old Superal, recipient of the Tony Siddayao award in last week’s PSA Annual Awards, gunned down six birdies inside 10 feet, the farther at 20 feet on No. 12 and the nearest, a tap-in on the 17th.

Dottie Ardina, also a major PSA awardee, turned in a so-so 71 while ICTSI-TCC teammates Sarah Ababa, Sofia Chabon and Abby Arevalo had 73, 77 and 78, respectively.

Santiwiwatthanapong sizzled with a 63 to post a three-stroke lead over Superal with fellow Thais Ornicha Konsunthea and Panarat Tanapolbunyarat tied Superal at 66s. Supamas Sangchan was a shot farther back at 67.