Ardina captures bronze, averts medal shutout for PHL in SEA Games golf

JAKARTA, Indonesia—The Philippines' Dottie Ardina averted what could have been a medal shutout in ladies golf as she defeated Indonesian Juriah in a one-hole playoff to capture the bronze in the 26th Southeast Asian Games held at the Jagorawi Golf and Country Club. Ardina struggled against the narrow fairways and extremely difficult roughs around the green of Jagorawi's New Course and was not in contention for a medal in 36 holes. However, she found herself suddenly vying for one as many of the players played bad in the final round. She had a two-over card in 10 holes in the early morning when she knew she was far away from the top ranking. But she saw the leader board and realized that she can still earn a podium finish. Wasting no time, she scored on consecutive birdies on Nos. 5 and 6 for a 72. "I was more relaxed (Thursday). And then when I saw the leader board, I knew I could win a medal so I went to work," said Ardina, who was part of the Bong Lopez-mentored squad that won the gold in the 2009 Laos SEA Games. Chihiro Ikeda and Mia Piccio are the other members of that squad. With Ardina's 72 and Ikeda's 77, the Philippines finished fourth with a 444 total. Host Indonesia took home the gold with 439 after a 144 with Tatiana Widjaya carding a 69 to secure the individual gold. Juriah had a 75. Thailand, which had an eight-shot lead entering the final 18 of the 54-hole event, stumbled with 77s each from Pinrath Loonboonruang and Pavarisa to end at 154 for 441. Nur Durriyah (72) and Aretha Pan (78) combined for 150 as Malaysia placed third with 443. In the men's competition, the Philippines lost the bronze medal by count back against Malaysia. Thailand romped away with the gold (214-865) followed by Indonesia (214-873). The Filipinos also had an 889 after a 226. Art Arbole had a 72, Jobim Carlos shot a 73 while either the 81 of Rupert Zaragosa or Clyde Mondilla counted for the day. — Adrian Flores/JVP, GMA News