Santi Cup: PHL golfers keep Thais at bay

HONG KONG—Dottie Ardina made her second two-under-par 68 while Jayvie Agojo finally settled with an even 70 to lead the Philippines to a three-shot advantage against Thailand with one round to go in the Santi Cup of the Southeast Asia Amateur Golf Team Championships Thursday. One of the 75 each by Andrea Unson and Chihiro Ikeda, gave the Philippines a 213 for 629 total in 54 holes in the 51st edition of the tournament held at the picturesque course of the Clearwater Bay and Country Club. Ardina, Agojo and Ikeda towed the team to a comfortable cushion in nine. "Dottie has been solid so far. I'm glad Jayvie got the monkey off her back and made her presence felt. Chihiro was off form (Thursday), as so was Andrea. Overall, we're in perfect position. We need to be consistent (Friday)," said national coach Bong Lopez. The Thai girls fell behind by five after nine holes in the penultimate round. But found a way to trim it to three as Pinrath Loomboonruang and Pannita Yusabai accounted for 68 apiece. Pavarisa Yoktuan added a 74 for 214 and 632. The ICTSI-backed ladies team, whose campaign along with the men's and junior squads, is sanctioned by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Malaysia improved to third but stood too far behind at 654 after a 212, making the final round a shootout between the Filipinas and the Thais. Hong Kong slid to fourth with a 659 after a 229 followed by Singapore (223-668) and Indonesia (226-683). In the Lion City Cup, the PHL juniors gained fourth place with a 222 for 667 but were far too behind to defend the crown against Thailand. Andres Saldaña spearheaded the attack with a 73, while Gio Gandionco made a 74 with either the 75 of Clyde Mondilla or Ruperto Zaragosa counting for the day. Thailand has a 649 after a 220. Malaysia (213-652) and Indonesia (223-662) have the best chance of catching up. In the main Putra Cup division, the Philippines remained last with a 219-662 in a field of seven nations. Lloyd Go matched par 70 to emerge the top scorer for the men's team with Zanie Boy Gialon and Art Arbole adding 74 and 75, respectively, and John Kier Abdon out for the third straight time with a 78. Singapore seized the lead with a 201-630, two ahead from host country and erstwhile leader Hong Kong (208-632). — JVP, GMA News