Ikeda 5 ahead despite a 76

CHIHIRO Ikeda managed a four-over-par 76 yesterday but still took a five-shot lead over Jayvie Agojo halfway through the P750,000 ICTSI Orchard Ladies Championship at the Player course in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

With the entire field struggling, Ikeda’s nines of 35-41 boosted the former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist to a 36-hole 148 total and closer to a breakthrough pro win.

Agojo shot a 75 and lay at 153, in a tie with amateur Marvi Monsalve who had a 77, and the veteran Lovelyn Guioguio who had a 73.

Daniella Uy, another amateur, shot a 78 for 154, with former leg winner Sarah Ababa also shooting a 78 to be another two shots behind like fancied amateur Hwang Min-jeong of South Korea, who had a 79.

Only seven players managed to break 80. Heidi Chua, just three off Ikeda overnight, carded an 85 for 160. Musong R. Castillo