Princess Superal eyes strong start in LPGA Japan

MANILA, Philippines — Princess Superal kicks off her final drive to a dream stint in the LPGA of Japan Tour today, needing no less than a strong start to get her bid going in the Final Stage of the four-part elims at the Tokyu Grand Oak Golf Club in Hyogo.

The diminutive but talented Filipina shotmaker exudes confidence of a strong showing in the 72-hole tournament as she wrapped up her practice round at the flat but challenging layout in cold condition yesterday although she remains wary of her rivals who have also set their sights on the coveted berths for next year’s LPGA of Japan Tour.

“I’m good and hopefully I can put it all together early,” said the ICTSI-backed Superal, who drew an early start at 8 a.m. with Mizuka Suzuki and I. Yoshimoto.

The newly crowned Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit champion finished 17th in the two-division third qualifying stage in Okayama Prefecture last week. She tied for 14th in the first stage and turned in a joint 11th place finish in the second elims in Mie Prefecture.

“Drawing an early start should put her in the early mix. It’s a bit cold in the morning but the course is okay,” said coach Bong Lopez, who also guided Superal to her record feat in the US Girls Juniors in Portland in 2014.

Aware of his ward’s downside in length against the field’s long hitters, Lopez believes Superal can make up for the slack with accuracy, superb iron game and putting throughout the tournament.

“Putting will be a key factor here with the surface undulating, which also requires solid approach shots to set up birdie chances,” added Lopez.