Guce, Ardina hold ground

MANILA, Philippines — Clariss Guce fought back strong with five birdies to overcome a two-bogey start, coming away with a three-under 68 and into contention for coveted LPGA berths after three rounds of the Q-Series at Pinehurst, North Carolina Friday.

Down at joint 52nd after a 72-73 start in the first of two 72-hole elims leading to dream LPGA cards, the US-based Filipina shotmaker fell farther back with bogeys on Nos. 2 and 3. But after three pars, she birdied the par-3 seventh then picked up three strokes in the first four holes at the back before capping her big comeback with another birdie on the 18th.

With a 213 aggregate, Guce, fighting to keep her card after a so-so LPGA campaign this year, moved to a share of 28th.

Dottie Ardina likewise made her move with a one-under 70, improving from tied at 43rd to joint 37th at 214.