Unlucky Putra Cup campaign for PHL golfers

HONG KONG—It is only painful to lose in an international competition. But it is even harder when one loses by a point. Case in point, the Filipina golfers, after leading three-fourths of the way, struggled in the final round and settled for a runner-up finish in the 3rd Santi Cup of the 51st Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Team Championships. The Philippines assembled an 853 after a 224 in the fourth day when Dottie Ardina shot a two-over 72, Andrea Unson a five-over 75 and Chihiro Ikeda added a seven-over 77. Jayvie Agojo fumbled to a 78 and did not count in the four-to-play, three-to-count format. The Thai girls, led by Pinrath Loonboonruang, Pavarisa Yoktuan and Pannita Yusabai, pounced on the Pinay's off form round with a 219 for 852 to snatch the crown in the tournament also known as the Putra Cup and played at the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club. "There'll be times like this. The girls will have to take note of what happened, learn to take this positively, and be better players in the future," said national coach Bong Lopez. If there's any consolation, the girls are not the only ones without a podium finish this year. The men's team—composed of Zanie Boy Gialon, Art Arbole, Jikjik Abdon and Lloyd Go—in the main Putra Cup wound up sixth in the seven-nation roster while the juniors were fourth in the fifth edition of the Lion City Cup. "I am very proud of the girls' efforts," Lopez added. Gialon carded a 71 while Abdon and Arbole each made a 75 for a closing 221 and 883. Singapore held off Hong Kong, 216-218, to clinch the crown with an 846 with the hosts settling for runner-up with an 850. Indonesia placed third with an 860 after a 219. The juniors, the dethroned champs, was led by Andres Saldana's 77, Gio Gandionco's 78 and Ruperto Zaragosa's 79 for 234 and 901. Thailand (220-869) pulled off a hard earned victory over Malaysia (220-872). The Philippine campaign was sanctioned by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and ICTSI. — Adrian Flores/JVP, GMA News