Legaspi pulls away for easy Optimist win

MANILA, Philippines - Mia Legaspi recorded her third consecutive victory in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship, closing out with a one-under 71 for a four-shot win in the girls’ 10-12 years division at the Squire course of the PGA National Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida Monday.

Legaspi, just one up on Thailand’s Ke Rojanapeansatit at the start of the final round, pulled away with four birdies on the first seven holes and never gave her Thai rival a chance in the back nine en route to the runaway win in a tournament where she had emerged as one of the winningest campaigners.

Legaspi, a seventh grader at St. Paul’s College Pasig who was the best Philippine performer in the Callaway Junior World in San Diego three weeks ago, finished with a 214 aggregate after earlier rounds of 70 and 73, four clear off Ke who had a 74 for 218.

“She’s been playing very well, very consistent because of the training she’s been doing with coach Jun Cedo. She deserves the victory because of all the hardwork,” said Legaspi’s father Norman.

The win made up for Daniella Uy’s sorry runner-up finish in the girls 13-14 years bracket. Uy lost by one to Canada’s Brooke Henderson.

Legaspi, whose trip is partly sponsored by flag carrier Philippine Airlines, now heads to Pinehurst, North Carolina for the US Kids World Championship where she will shoot for a record-breaking fifth consecutive age-group crown.