Pinay, Thai aces clash as Pradera Ladies begins

LUBAO, Pampanga, Philippines — Expect an early shootout among the best of the best with the rest, including a slew of talented amateurs, ready to spring a surprise in what promises to be an explosive start in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Ladies Classic at the sprawling Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club complex here today.

Dottie Ardina, for one, can’t wait to get going, bringing with her a game honed up by a number of runner-up finishes in the Symetra Tour that secured her a full card for next year’s LPGA Tour.

She tees off at 8 a.m. against Thais Dolnapa Phudthipinij and Chouvarest Chourkittisopon.

Pauline del Rosario also hopes to mark her return to the circuit she dominated last year on a triumphant note, brandishing an improved swing she expects to put her in good stead against the long hitters in the fold. She tangles with Thai Chommapat Pongthanarak and Daniella Uy at 7 a.m.

Princess Superal is also upbeat of her chances, oozing with confidence coming off a series of qualifying tournaments in Japan. Though she failed to make the grade in the Final Stage of the LPGA of Japan Tour, the first Filipina to win the US Girls Junior crown remains confident of pulling it off this week. She kicks off her title drive against Thai Jaruporn P Na Ayutthaya and club bet amateur Annyka Cayabyab at 8:30 a.m.