Brand-new pro Superal one off Thai

Princess Superal. Photo by Inquirer Golf

PRINCESS Superal overcame a jittery start to her pro career to rescue a two-under-par 70 and trail Thailand’s Chatprapa Siriprakob by one shot after the opening round yesterday of the ICTSI Ladies Sherwood Hills Classic.

The 19-year-old Superal, a former winner of the US Girls’ championship, among others, in a superlative amateur career, started off bogey-bogey and had to dig deep over the wind-swept, ravine-laden layout in Trece Martires, Cavite, to gut out a 36-34 card and be firmly in contention for a Cinderella debut.

Siriprakob birdied three of her first four holes before tripping on a double bogey and a bogey in a back-nine 37 that still proved enough to set the pace in the P500,000 event.

“I had a great time playing today (yesterday),” said the 24-year-old Siriprakob. “I am looking forward to the next two rounds.”

Amateur Pauline del Rosario fired a 71 to be two shots behind like another Thai, Aunchisa Utama, with Jayvie Agojo and the veteran Lina de Guzman matching par to be within striking distance of Siriprakob.

Cyna Rodriguez, the US LPGA veteran, scrambled to a 73, in a tie with Sarah Ababa and Ajira Nualraksa of Thailand, even as Eva Minoña and Anya Tanpinco fired similar 75s.

“I’m happy with my game,” said Superal. “I could’ve shot lower if not for my missed chances from close range.” Musong R. Castillo