RP golf bets deliver
in lower categories

PLAYERS in the lower categories carried the fight for the Philippines yesterday as the Thais continued to flex their muscles in the 29th Asia Pacific Junior Golf Championship at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Trece Martires, Cavite.

AR Ramos and Angelo Gandionco shared the halfway lead in boys’ Class C while Mia Legaspi was tied for the lead with Thailand’s Sutavee Chanachai in girls’ Class B.

Thai star Khrongpa Thanyakorn continued to hold sway in the premiere boys’ Class A despite a one-over-par 73 that jacked his total to 139, three strokes clear of Malaysian Mohammad Arie Irawan Ahmad, who carded a 70 for 142.

Another Thai, Ariya Jutanugarn, virtually assured herself of the girls’ Class C title after shooting a 68. Coupled with her opening 69, Jutanugarn was at 137, seven shots ahead of the Philippines’ Daniella Uy, who submitted a 74 for 144 going into today’s final round.

Yusa Bai Piyachad also moved closer toward the boys’ Class D plum with a 74, pulling away from Filipinos Rupert Zaragosa, who shot a 70 for 145 and Justin Dy, who carded a 73 for 150.

The race for the Class crown remained tight with Indian Abhijit Chadha still in the hunt following a 73 and a 143 total and Taiwanese Tao Huang (75) and Chien Yao Hung (72) joining the fray with 146 totals.

Filipinos John Kier Abdon (75) and Jobim Carlos (77) are too far to challenge following a 75 and 77, respectively.

In Class B, Indian Seenappa Chikkarangappa settled for a 76 and a 143 total, allowing compatriot Singh Saini Ashbeer to close in at 144 with a 71.

The best Filipino performer among 11 entries of the event made possible by Tourism Secretary Ace Durano was Bino de la Paz, who shot a 77 for 155, a distant 12 shots back.

South Korean Lee Min-young fired a 68 to pace girls Class A. Trailing Lee are Thais Patcharajutar Kongkraphan (70) and Yupaporn Kawinparkorn (72) and reigning Philippine Ladies titlist Chihiro Ikeda (74).