Ardina starts strong in New Jersey

MANILA, Philippines — Hot-starting Dottie Ardina fired a four-under 67 to be in contention in the Shoprite LPGA Classic Friday at the Seaview Bay Course in Galloway, New Jersey.

Ardina, out for redemption after missing the cut in last week’s US Women’s Open, shot five birdies against a lone bogey to trail Australian leader Stephanie Kyriacou (65) by two strokes.

The 28-year-old Ardina shared No. 3 with Korean world No. 1 Jin Young Ko, Canadian No. 11 Brooke Henderson and American Marina Alex behind second-running Frida Kinhult (66).

Ardina averaged 244 yards off the tee and missed only three fairways and three greens in one of her best opening rounds in the LPGA.

Starting from the back, the ICTSI shotmaker birdied No. 12 but bogeyed the next hole and went on to gain strokes on Nos. 18, 2, 3 and 9.

Compatriot Bianca Pagdanganan, struggled with a six-over 77.