Cyna trails by 2 in LPGA debut

MANILA, Philippines – Cyna Rodriguez put on a remarkable comeback seldom seen in a rookie campaigner, bucking a two-over start at the back with three birdies and an eagle to boot in the last nine holes, for a three-under 70 and trailed seven players by just two in a crowded leaderboard at the start of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic at the par-73 Paradise Island course in Bahamas Thursday.

Failing to fight off jitters in her first foray in the world’s premier ladies golf circuit, Rodriguez stumbled with bogeys on Nos. 10 and 16 and scrambled for a couple of pars but came out strong at the front with birdies on Nos. 2, 3 and 8 in a scorching finish of 31 on a breezy, windy day she capped with an eagle on the par-5 No. 7.

From 96th in a field of 107 in the early going, the Filipina ace, who turned in a strong joint fourth place finish in the LPGA Q-School Final Stage, suddenly found herself in joint 10th with veterans Brittany Lincicome of the US and Anna Nordqvist of Sweden, Korean Hyo Joo Kim, Laetitia Beck of Israel, Americans Danielle Kang and Megan Khang and Thai PK Kongkraphan.

“Cyna’s a proven fighter. She just tried to feel her way around the course, and the tournament, in the early going,” said coach Bong Lopez of his prized ward who became the first Filipina to earn an LPGA Tour card since Jennifer Rosales made the grade in 2000.

“That big rally at the front should fire her up all the more in the second round,” added Lopez.

Paula Creamer pitched from 60 yards for an eagle-2 on No. 8 to shoot a five-under 68 and tie six others in the lead in the $1.4 million tournament.

Korean Min Seo Kwak and American Jennifer Johnson fired identical 69s to share eighth place.

Rodriguez hopes to press her bid as she tees off in the first flight at 7:10 a.m. in the second round with Jennifer Johnson and Christine Song, hopeful of turning in a lower round in ideal condition.