Pinay golfers vault into SEA Games lead

Vientiane, Laos — The Philippines' women's team on Sunday dislodged powerhouse Thailand from the top in the golf competition of the 2009 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Boo Young Golf Club course in the Xaythany District. Chihiro Ikeda picked off where she left in the opener and led again for RP with a three-under-par 69 despite a poor three-bogey start. She did not give up after those bogeys and quickly recovered with six easy birdies she set up with precise approach shots in the final 14 holes to tow the Philippines to a 139 for the day and 285 total, one ahead of Thailand’s 286.

Putting became a problem for Ikeda in the first four holes that included two three-putts for bogeys on Nos. 12 and 13. After that, she adjusted to the slow conditions of the greens and reaped the rewards. “I am playing for national pride, that’s why I said to myself never to let up even with those three bogeys. I am here to the win the gold for Team Philippines," Ikeda told GMANews.TV. Ikeda teamed up beautifully with Dottie Ardina, who finally had a breakout round with a two-under-par 70. Together, they produced that 139. Third member Mia Piccio’s four-over 76 did not matter in the three-to-play, two-to-count format. The Thais, who led by four entering into the second day, was again paced by Yupaporn Kawinpakorn’s three-under 69, the same score she had Saturday. The 75 of either Thidapa Suwannapura or Pinrath Loomboonruang counted for the squad. “I never lost faith in the girls after a not-so-impressive opening round. I know that they are capable of sub-par rounds and it showed today," said coach Bong Lopez, who expects a thrilling wind up Monday. The RP-Thailand match up was the same scenario in the 2007 SEA Games in Thailand. The Filipinas are looking to get back at their rivals who shut them out for the gold in team and individual play the last time out. Malaysia stood at third with a 290 as Kelly Tan (71) and Ainil Abu Bakar (71) combined for 142. Myanmar was ranked fourth with 155-303 followed by Indonesia 153-304, Laos 164-329 and Vietnam 167-330. In the individual race, Yupaporn remained on pole position with 138, two ahead of Ikeda’s 140. Malaysian Tan was in third with 143. “I’ll do my best to get this one too (individual gold). Who knows, it might be a double celebration if we can also grab the team medal," Ikeda said. Men's team gains headway The RP men’s team also gained headway as it moved up to solo third with the help of the four-under-par 68s of Antonio Asistio II and Mhark Fernando. Judson Eustaquio added an even 72 for the country’s 208 production and three-day 637 output. The Filipino amateurs were now within four from the pacesetting Thais (216-633) and three from the Singaporeans (214-354) after falling behind by 11 at the end of the second round. “Everything is still possible. It’s going to be a three-way toss-up among us, Thailand and Singapore for the gold," coach Tommy Manotoc said. Asistio battled back from a no-count 76 to a sizzling 68, highlighted by five birdies and an eagle on the par-five 17th hole. He set up that beautiful eagle after placing a 240-yard second shot to within inches off the cup. It also capped the finest day for him. “I knew I have to contribute heavily today. I can’t let my teammates down," said Asistio, who only had two bogeys at Nos. 2 and 4. Fernando, probably on his last stint as an amateur before turning pro, also mixed six birdies and two bogeys for that 68. The Thais, though, slowed down a bit. Wasin Sripattranusorn and Thanyakon Khrongpha each turned in a one-under 71 but got no ample support as Wongsakorn Choowong churned out a two-over 73. Singapore’s Johnson Poh carded a two-over 70. However, the two-over 73 of Jonathan Leong and Jonathan Woo were not enough to overtake Thailand. In men’s individual competition, Wasin had the upperhand with a 208 and countryman Thanyakon was a close second with 209. Among the Filipinos, Fernando was seventh with 214, Asisitio ninth with 215 and Eustaquio and Jhonel Ababa tied for 15th with 216s. – Adrian Flores, GMANews.TV