Ilas wrests Ambank-Sport Excel lead despite 74

MANILA, Philippines - Bernice Olivarez-Ilas carded a two-over 74 to grab a one-stroke lead over local bet Winning Ng in the 13-14 division while Princess Superal also shot a 74 and trailed Ashley Lau by one in the 15-18 class at the start of the Ambank-Sport Excel International Junior Championship in Rawang, Malaysia late Tuesday.

Olivarez-Ilas bucked a weather delay and closed out with two routine pars as the top The Country Club bet completed a 74 at the Templer Golf and Country Club course and held off Ng, who turned in a 75 while Thai Phanchalika Arphamongkol struggled with a 79 and another Malaysian, Noriashah Alisa Oman skied to an 81.

“Bernice just played her game and came out with a decent score given the course conditions. But I expect her, Princess and Sofia (Chabon) to settle down in the second round,” said TCC coach Bong Lopez.  

Superal groped for form early but came through with good recovery shots at the back to stay within striking distance of Lau, who salvaged a one-over 73, while Chabon wavered coming off a rain delay and hobbled with a 79.

Superal, seeking to duplicate her run of victories to close out the season the last two years, struggled on the layout’s sleek putting surface, hit two birdies but muffed three par-saving putts inside six feet in the first eight holes before drilling a 10-footer for birdie on the ninth.

But the former US Girls Junior champion stumbled with two bogeys at the hilly back nine and missed birdie chances in the closing holes to reel back.