Superal seizes 4-shot lead

Princess Superal. Photo by Inquirer Golf

Princess Superal overcame the demanding conditions Thursday, shooting a two-under-par 70 to seize a four-shot lead going into today’s final round of the Philippine Ladies Open golf championship at Tagaytay Midlands.

As howling gusts conquered the rest of the title pretenders, Superal went about her business and returned a 34-36 card for 141, with Pauline del Rosario, Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso and Mikhaela Fortuna the new pursuers following the collapse of first-round leader LK Go.

Fortuna assembled a 68, Del Rosario churned out a 70 and Saso returned a 73 for 145s, while Go, the 16-year-old find from Cebu, ballooned to a birdie-less 78 for 148.

“I just hung in there despite the strong winds,” said Superal, who is looking to win a fifth straight international tournament.

If Superal hangs on, the Philippines will snap a four-year drought here. The country’s last win came in 2011 through Chihiro Ikeda.

Bernice Ilas fired a 71 and caught Sofia Chabon (73) at 150. Ashia Nocum carded a 72 for 151. Musong R. Castillo