Bianca Pagdanganan shoots eagle, stalks leader in LPGA event

MANILA, Philippines — Bianca Pagdanganan served notice of her bid to go big-time or spearhead the Philippine campaign in the coming SEA Games as she stormed to joint second with an eagle-spiked five-under 67 in Day 2 of the LPGA and Symetra Tour Qualifying Tournament Stage I in various courses in Rancho Mirage, California last Friday.

The Asian Games bronze medalist, along with American Gabby Lemieux, Mexican Ana Ruiz Laphond and erstwhile solo leader Min A Yoon of Korea stood on top of the heap at 137 until Riley Rennell of the US came in late to shoot a 69 and snare the lead at 136.

Still, Pagdanganan’s brilliant two-day effort, including an opening 70 at Faldo course Thursday, has virtually assured her of a spot in the last two rounds of the first part of the grueling elims leading to a dream LPGA stint next year.

A former Philippine Ladies Amateur Open champion, Pagdanganan birdied four of the first 11 holes at Dinah Shore and bucked a bogey on No. 12 with a closing eagle on the par-5 18th for a 33-34 card. 

Pagdanganan has committed to lead the country’s campaign in the SEA Games set Dec. 4-8 at Luisita together with Asiad gold medal teammate Lois Kaye Go.