Agojo, Ikeda boost LPGT Riviera cast

MANILA, Philippines - Former Philippine Ladies Open champions Jayvie Agojo and Chihiro Ikeda signed up for the P500,000 ICTSI Riviera Ladies Classic set June 25-27 at Riviera’s Couples course, firming up the compact field seeking a breakthrough win on the ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

With Cyna Rodriguez, winner of the kickoff leg at Orchard last April, still unsure of her stint, Agojo and Ikeda loom as the players to beat owing to their form and experience although the rest are raring to spoil the fancied bets’ bid in the 54-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Agojo pounced on Ikeda’s final round fold-up to snatch runner-up honors at Orchard with the former national teammates tipped to renew their brewing rivalry in the circuit, now stretched to an eight-leg tour after a successful five-tournament inaugurals last year.

Agojo, who finished No. 2 in the Order of Merit ranking despite failing to nail a leg win last year, hopes to finally nail the elusive victory next week although she will be up against an equally title-hungry field on a windy course that requires accuracy and mental toughness.

Ikeda, the former SEA Games individual champion who honed her talent and skills in Japan last year, is also upbeat of her chances for a first-ever victory on the circuit sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and backed by Nike Golf, Pacsports , Custom Clubmakers and Sharp after missing some legs last year.