Ardina sizzles at the finish, fires 66 for joint 7th

MANILA, Philippines – Dottie Ardina showcased a brilliant comeback on the back nine to fire a 66 and secure a Top 10 finish at the Dana Open in Sylvania, Ohio Sunday (Monday Manila time), giving a significant boost to her Olympic bid two weeks before the Games.

After a par performance on the front nine that kept her outside the Top 25, Ardina found her rhythm at the turn, birdying Nos. 10 and 11, adding another on the 13th, and closing out with back-to-back birdies.

This impressive five-under 32 at the par 34-37 Highland Meadows Golf Club resulted in a 66, bringing her total to 10-under 274 for a joint seventh-place effort that bodes well for her Olympic preparations.

Although she finished 10 strokes behind Chanetee Wannasaen, Ardina's rally from the brink of elimination after a mediocre first round of 71 demonstrated her fighting spirit and skill. She is determined to deliver a strong, memorable performance in her first Olympic appearance in Paris.

The women's golf competitions, featuring Ardina and ICTSI teammates Bianca Pagdanganan and Yuka Saso (representing Japan), will take place from August 7-10 at Le Golf National.

For her final 9-hole rally, Ardina earned $38,232 (approximately P2.2 million). She is scheduled to play in the Portland Classic from August 1-4 in Oregon before heading to Paris.

Ardina's four-day consistency off the tee was remarkable, hitting all but one fairway on a 354-yard average. Despite missing five greens in regulation, she saved pars from the bunker three times and finished with an inspiring 26-putt performance.

Wannasaen clinched the title with a 264 after a final-round 67, narrowly edging out Haeran Ryu, who posted a rallying 65 for a 265 total.

In New York, Pauline del Rosario also made a strong finish with a 69, securing a joint eighth place in the Twin Bridges Championship of the Epson Tour at Pinehaven Country Club, also Sunday.

Del Rosario carded five birdies against three bogeys at the par-71 course, completing a 54-hole total of 212, eight strokes behind champion Lauren Stephenson, who won despite a final-round 72 for a 204 total. Jessica Porvasnik finished second with a 69 for a 206 total, while Fatima Cano placed third with a 207 after shooting 67.