Superal rallies, regains one-shot lead

JAKARTA - Princess Superal matched Malaysian Kelly Tan’s blazing finish to save a one-over 73 as she snatched a one-stroke lead heading to the final round of the Santi Cup of the Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Team Championships here late Thursday.

Superal overcame a bogey-riddled round with two birdies in the last four holes as she salvaged a 38-35 round in another tough day at the Emeralda Golf Club, finding herself back in the lead and within reach of the coveted individual crown.

The top ICTSI-bet, who shared the first round lead with Thai Budsabakorn Sukapan, assembled an even par 216 over 54 holes, one shot ahead of Tan, who birdied Nos. 16 and 17 to cap one of the day’s two best 69s for a 217.

Supamas Sangchan, also of Thailand, matched par 72 to tie Tan at second while Jayvie Agojo fired the day’s other 69 to wheel back into title contention at 218.

Cyna Rodriguez blew a decent 36 start with a closing 40 for a 76 as Team ICTSI-Philippines made a 218 and hardly chopped Thailand’s overnight six-shot lead to five at 656 in team play.

The Thais, counting Ornicha Konsunthea’s 75, pooled a 219 to remain in the lead at 651.

Malaysia stayed in third at 658 after a 216 followed by Indonesia (221-671), Singapore (229-689) and Hong Kong (229-695).

In the centerpiece Putra Cup, the Phl men’s team continued to struggle and made a 227 on Rupert Zaragosa and Andres Saldaña’s 74s while Jobim Carlos had a 79 for a 687 total for sixth.

Thailand shot a 214 for a 648, taking a three-shot lead over Singapore (217-651) followed by Malaysia (221-666) and Indonesia (219-674) while Hong Kong edged the Phl in fifth with a 685 after a 225. (PR)

The Phl juniors team also remained a far second in the Lion City Cup after a 225 and a 679, 23 strokes behind Thailand, which had a 656 after a 216. (PR) - THE FREEMAN