Ardina takes first-round lead at Singha Thai Amateur Open

BANGKOK, Thailand—Dottie Ardina, still red hot from her recent victory in Malaysia, shot a near-flawless three-under-par 69 to take pole position after the first round of the Singha Thailand Amateur Open held at the famous Panya Indra Golf Club here late Tuesday. Ardina mixed four birdies against one bogey at the par-four fifth hole to take a two-stroke lead against ICTSI teammate Chihiro Ikeda and local bet Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras in the 77th edition of Thailand's oldest and prestigious amateur tournament. Four pars in her opening holes, the Indoesia Southeast Asian Games-bound Ardina missed the green on No. 5 for that bogey. That somewhat became her wake-up call as she quickly bounced back with birdies on the sixth and the eighth to negate the earlier mishap. "Like I've done so in the past, I would rather have a bogey at the onset because that motivates me more as the game goes on. Today's round was a testament to this," said Ardina, who will be teaming up with Ikeda to defend the PHL's SEAG gold medal next month. Ikeda was actually the hottest player early on after she scored a three-birdie stretch from Nos. 6 to 8. However, she lost two shots with bogeys on Nos. 13 and 17 but remain in contention to battle good friend Ardina for the TGA President title at stake. "I could not find my rhythm at the back nine. It was a good start with a not-so-good ending. I need to be consistent," said Ikeda, who'll try her luck in the pro tour next year said national coach Bong Lopez. Pannarat opened with a birdie but closed out like with a double bogey on No. 18. She could have tied Ardina at the top if not for that. Thamonpatsorn Siriko and Asama Mckenzie, also from Thailand, were at 73 and 74, for fourth and fifth, respectively. Sarah Jane Ababa was at seventh place with a 74 in a tie with Thai Pavarisa Yoktuan. Lovelyn Guioguio was way off with an 83, good for a share of 28th spot. In the men's side, Putra Cup campaigner Lloyd Go made a four-over-par 76 and was nine adrift from the 67 turned in by Thai Natipong Srithong. Raymund Jaraula returned with a 79 (32nd) and Jay Reyes got an 83 (40th). — Adrian Flores/JVP, GMA News