Rodriguez takes lead by a shot

CYNA Rodriguez fired a 2-under-par 70 yesterday to post a one-stroke lead over debuting pro Mia Piccio after the first round of the ICTSI Philippine Ladies’ Tour’s fourth leg at Wack Wack’s West course.

Rodriguez gunned down four birdies against two bogeys, which both came on the back nine. Her second, on the 17th hole, coupled with a Piccio birdie at the last, allowed the Bacolod ace to close within one shot after the first 18 holes of the 54-hole P500,000 event.

Chihiro Ikeda was five adrift, in a tie with the burly Apple Fudolin at 75, one shot in front of amateur standout Princess Superal.

Rodriguez put herself in solid position of writing her own piece of tournament history. She is aiming to become the second player after the decorated Dottie Ardina to win her first two tournaments as a pro.

Ardina triumphed in the Country Club and Canlubang stops before Rodriguez joined the field in the Eagle Ridge leg and won by an astounding eight shots over Jayvie Agojo. Ardina didn’t play there.

But this field is definitely stronger than the one that chased her for three rounds at the Aoki course in Cavite, with Piccio looking as sharp as she can be.

Piccio had one bogey that went with three birdies, while Ikeda had just one birdie the entire round, quite unusual for one who was once the most dominant lady amateur just a few years back.

“The greens aren’t in top shape but I’m very happy to have putted well,” said Rodriguez, after she and the rest of the field had to putt on oftentimes rough greens after the course was damaged by the typhoon two weeks ago.

The event is being backed by Nike Golf, Pacsports, Gatorade, Sharp and Custom Clubmakers.

Felicia Medalla, another amateur, returned a 77, while Agojo struggled to a 78 and was tied with the young Harmie Constantino. Musong R. Castillo