Team SEA overpowers anew, nears championship

Team Southeast Asia moved within 2.5 points of winning the inaugural Pradera Ladies Challenge after keeping Team Philippines at bay all day yesterday at Pradera in Pampanga.

Rising Thai star Atthaya Thitikul stayed undefeated in four matches, partnering with Malaysia’s Geraldine Wong to post a 4&2 triumph over the Nicole Abelar-Mika Arroyo combine in four-ball before returning in the afternoon with countryman Kan Bunnabodee to rout Missy Legaspi and Arroyo, 4&3, in the foursomes.

That overpowering performance by the 13-year-old boosted Team SEA to a 13-7 lead as Team Philippines could only win one match in the four-ball and two in the foursomes while drawing two other matches.

It would take a huge turnaround in today’s singles to deny Team SEA—composed of national team members of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia—the crown, with Team PH skipper Jennifer Rosales to field her best players in the first five matches just to gain momentum.

“We need to pile up points early [today],” Rosales said.

Annyka Cayabyab and Mikha Fortuna posted the lone point for Team PH, a 2&1 nipping of Napaghach Boon-in and Winnie Ng pair in the four-ball.