MANILA, Philippines — Rianne Malixi of the Philippines wobbled and took a 1-up loss to Fil-American Kiara Romero in the 36-hole US Girls’ Junior Championship finale at the Eisenhower Golf Club’s Blue course in Colorado Saturday.
Malixi was doing well until a bogey on No. 13, the 31st hole, enabled her third-seeded rival to seize the lead for only the second time with five to play.
Romero, 17, halved the remaining holes to frustrate the Filipina ace and clinch the coveted crown.
“It’s been a long day and I’m glad I got it done,” said Romero, whose mother hails from Quezon City.