Golf: Supamas edges out Superal in Philippine Ladies Open

Supamas Sangchan of Thailand took advantage of two mishits from local star Princess Superal to escape with a four-shot victory and retain the title in the Philippine Ladies Open at the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club in Antipolo.

The second shot of Superal, the top ICTSI bet, on the first hole landed on a hazard and her drive on the fifth went into a similar area to drop five shots early on in what was expected to a battle royale at Forest Hills.

The Filipina could not recover from there, allowing Supamas to sail smoothly and become the first Thai to win back-to-back, counting last year’s six-hole playoff conquest over Dottie Ardina.

Supamas scored a one-over-par 73 for a 214 total. 

“I am very happy to win it again,” said an ecstatic Supamas, who was doused with cold water by teammates on the 18th green.

Superal was runner-up with a 218 after a 75. Thais Pannarat Thanapoonbolyaras and Sherman Santiwiwattanaphon both made 72s and were tied with Daniella Uy (70) at 221.

“I tried my best out there. It was really windy the last two days and the greens were very fast in three rounds,” said Superal, who vowed to come back stronger for next year’s wars at a venue yet to be announced.

Pauline del Rosario came through with a fiery 68 in the opener but faltered with 76 and 78 for 222 to settle for sixth place. 

Malaysian Michelle Koh carded a 74 for a 223 for seventh, Sukapan Budsabakorn of Thailand wound up eighth at 71-224, while Harmie Constantino shot a 75 for 225 for ninth and Bianca Pagdanganan had 76 and 226 for 10th. - RAF, GMA News