Ikeda fires 6 birds, paces Orchard Ladies by 1

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite—Chihiro Ikeda mixed six birdies with three bogeys to shoot a 3-under-par 69 Tuesday and take a one-shot lead over Jayvie Agojo after the opening round of the ICTSI Orchard Ladies Classic at the Player course here.

The former multititled amateur who is seeking a first pro win rolled in a six-footer for birdie on the par-5 18th to cap her roller-coaster round and keep Agojo at bay in the event that dangles P100,000 to the champion.

Agojo settled for a 70, missing a chance to tie Ikeda for the lead after missing the green on the par-3 14th.

Cyna Rodriguez, the pretournament favorite, carded nines of 35-37 for 72 to trail by three going into the final 36 holes, with Daniela Uy, who won the Philippine Amateur Match Play title just last Friday at the adjacent Palmer layout, shooting a 73.

Anya Tanpinco and Lovelyn Guioguio, two seasoned bets, fired 75s, with Mary Grace Estuesta carding a 79 like five others, including fellow veteran Lucy Landicho.

Ikeda birdied three of her first four holes but couldn’t go really low because of bogeys on Nos. 3, 13 and 17.

Agojo, with close buddy and former pro Antonio Asistio carrying her bag, couldn’t pick up a shot in her final four holes as the winds made the course play longer.

“The back was tougher and longer and I needed to use hybrid and woods for my second shots,” said Agojo.

Amolkan Phalajivin of Thailand struggled to an 80 marred by two double bogeys and six bogeys. He eagled No. 18, though.