Cyna, Jayvie struggle Down Under with 77s

MANILA, Philippines - Cyna Rodriguez groped for form coming off a big victory two weeks ago, hobbling with a five-over 77 and dropping to joint fifth, six shots off Cathleen Santoso at the start of the South Australia Rene Erichsen Salver golf championship in Adelaide, Australia Thursday.

Rodriguez, who swept the Vesta Cup (stroke play) and the match play titles in the South Australia Women’s Amateur Championship two weeks ago, never recovered from a two-bogey, one-double bogey mishap after nine holes, hitting her first birdie only on the 12th, only to reel back with another double-bogey on the next.

The 21-year-old reigning Hong Kong Amateur champion knocked down two more birdies on Nos. 15 and 17 but holed out with another double-bogey on the 18th to finish with a 77 at the Glenelg Golf Club.

Santoso fired a one-under 71 in tough condition to open a four-stroke lead over fancied Minjee Lee and Nadine Smith, who both had 75s, while Sue Wooster carded a 76 for fourth in South Australia’s premier amateur championship.

Jayvie Agojo, the other ICTSI bet in the fold, also made a 77 marred by five bogeys and a double bogey against two birdies.

Over in Thailand, Dottie Ardina failed to flash a strong finishing kick and settled for second in the Singha-Sat Thai LPGA Championship, closing out with a 72 for a 212, five strokes behind Thai Nontaya Srisawang, who fired a 68 for a 207.

Sarah Ababa shot a second straight 73 to finish sixth with a 222 at the SEA Pine Golf Club.