RP golfer Ikeda leads Red Tail tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Chihiro Ikeda put aside a double bogey right after the first hole and posted a five-under 67 for a one-stroke lead at the start of the Red Tail Golf Open of the FCWT (Future world Collegians Tour) in Devens, Massachusetts. GMANews.TV learned that the 17-year-old Ikeda burned the first nine with a 33 highlighted by birdies on hole nos. 2, 4, 8 and 9. Ikeda went out strong and posted two more birdies going home to post that leading 67 and one-shot advantage against Sally Watson of Scotland who posted a 68. Two strokes behind Ikeda is Karen Chung of New Jersey. Another Filipina, Dottie Ardina, posted a 71 that is good enough for fifth to stay in contention for another title after winning the Eagle Creek and the Plantation Inn Opens. Ardina's compatriot Sarah Ababa is at fourth with a 70 in the 36-hole tilt for parbusters aged 13-18. Also campaigning but hardly making an impact in the first round was reigning RP Ladies Open champion Louise Manalo, who reached the club house with a 73 and Mia Piccio who finished with a 79. –GMANews.TV