Unson grabs Optimist Int’l jr golf lead

Andie Unson continued to flash fine form, firing a 1-under-par 71 to wrest a one-stroke lead over Hawaii’s Eimi Koga in the second round of the Optimist International junior golf championship at the PGA National Golf and Resort Club in Palm Beach, Florida, Sunday.

Unson, who carded a 73 in the first round, made two birdies against a bogey on the front nine then parred the backside of the par-72 layout to forge ahead with a 144 aggregate.

“She’s in top shape and playing with so much confidence. But she must polish her putting to be able to nail this one,” said ICTSI coach Bong Lopez.

Unson topped the US Women’s Amateur qualifier in Stockton, California, last week.

Koga matched Unson’s 71 to assume the challenger’s role at 145 going into the last 18 holes of the girls’ 14-15 division.

Maria Villalobos of Colombia carded a 73 to be at 147 while first-round leader Anna Bohmer of Colombia wavered at the backside with three bogeys and a double bogey and wound up with a 41 and a 78 for 149.

Meanwhile, Daniella Uy birdied No. 16 for a 73 and remained in fourth in the 12-13 division of the annual event featuring some of the world’s leading junior players.

She had a 147 and stood five strokes off Ana Valdes of Mexico, who had a 142 after a second straight 71.