Ardina cruises to 10-shot win at Singha Thailand Amateur Open

BANGKOK, Thailand—Dottie Ardina turned the final round of the 77th Singha Thailand Amateur Open into her own show and carted away the Thailand Golf Association (TGA) President's title with a 10-stroke win over teammate Chihiro Ikeda at the Panya Indra Golf Club. Ardina, holding a five-shot lead entering the final round, masterfully knocked in three important birdies in 12 holes that kept her rivals, including best friend Ikeda, at bay in the Thailand's oldest and prestigious amateur tournament. She finished with a 284 total which included a 69, 71 and 73. "It's now five and, hopefully, more in the coming weeks. I'm playing in two events before the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia next month," said the 17-year-old Ardina, who already pocketed the crowns in the True Vision, San Diego Masters, Queen Sirikit Cup and Malaysian Juniors Open. Ardina's latest conquest is a good morale-booster for the Indonesia SEA Games. She, along with Ikeda and Andrea Unson, all from the ICTSI golf camp, will lead the PHL ladies' title-retention bid for the team gold against the top amateurs from Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. "I believe that the trio is our best bet right now. It's a very strong combination," said national coach Bong Lopez, who chose the three, with alternate Jayvie Agojo, based on their performances this year. Ikeda wound up with the runner-up honors with a 294 after a three-over 75. Lovelyn Guioguio fired a 77 for 304 (15th) while Sarah Jane Ababa bubbled to an 82 for 305 (16th). Dethroned champ Yupaporn Kawinpakorn of Thailand was at joint eighth with a 77-209. Thai Natiphong Srithong carded a sizzling six-under 66 for 277 to beat by one Myanmar's Maung Maung Oo (69-278). Filipino Lloyd Go also scored a 66 for 284, good for seventh place in the men's division while Raymund Jaraula leveled with a 72 for 300, good for 22nd. — Adrian Flores/JVP, GMA News