Ardina slips to joint 14th, Bianca out

MANILA, Philippines — Pinay ace Dottie Ardina slowed down with an even 71 Saturday and slipped to joint 14th with one round left in the Shoprite LPGA Classic at the Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway, New Jersey.

Unable to sustain her hot start of 67, Ardina shot two birdies against two bogeys in a 36-35 round to drop 11 places with her tally of four-under 138.

From two down, the 28-year-old Pinay found herself facing a five-stroke deficit against Sweden’s Frida Kinhult (9-under 133 after a 67) going to the final push.

Compatriot Bianca Pagdanganan submitted a better 70 in the second round but ultimately failed to make the cut with her 5-over 147 aggregate. Pagdanganan’s bid was badly hurt by her opening 77.

Ardina, who hit 12 of 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens but needed 33 putts, reached the turn at one-under after gunning down birdies on the par-5 Nos. 3 and 9 to offset a bogey on the second hole. She dropped a stroke on the 14th heading home.