Ikeda opens 3-shot lead in HK Am

MANILA, Philippines - Chihiro Ikeda sizzled with a three-under par 69 to pace the Hong Kong Ladies Open Amateur Championship at the Discovery Bay Golf Club in Hong Kong late Wednesday.

Ikeda, spearhead of the ICTSI golf squad who is priming up for the Spirit Cup in the US in November, took a three-stroke lead over Tipanuth Prakasvudhisarn of Thailand at the start of the 54-hole championship featuring some of the top amateurs in the region.

The Thai bet matched par 72 at the up-and-down course while local bet Tiffany Chan carded a 74.

But while Ikeda, winner of the Optimist International crown in Florida recently, made a solid start, compatriot Anya Tanpinco struggled with an 81 for a share of 13th with Dolnapa Phudthipinij and Sarinee Thitiyanakorn, both of Thailand.

Tanpinco, however, led Mid-Amateur side of the event, posting a three-shot lead over Hong Kong’s Jane Lo, who had an 84.

Marvi Monsalve, another Filipino bet, stood in 10th with a 79 while Daniella Uy turned in an 82 for 16th place and Eva Minoza sputtered with an 88.