Team SEA paces ‘tired’ Filipino golfers

Team Southeast Asia dominated its Philippine counterpart in the first day of the Pradera Ladies Challenge yesterday, zooming to a 7-3 lead after four-ball and foursome matches at Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga.

Filipino victories came few and far between, with Abby Arevalo and Tomi Arejola combining for a 2-up victory over Thailand’s Tunrada Piddon and Napaghak Boon-in in foursome for the last win for the home side that prevented a total annihilation by the SEA bets.

But despite lagging behind big early, Team PH skipper Jennifer Rosales remained upbeat of the local side’s chances as second day of action will be of the same format.

“My girls are still adjusting. Most of them are tired because they’re not used to playing 36 holes a day,” said Rosales, a two-time LPGA champion. “I would definitely change some of the lineups for [the second round]. But I would stick with those that clicked.”

Attaya Thitikul, the 13-year-old rising Thai star, powered Team SEA to two wins, teaming up with Winnie Ng of Malaysia for a 3&2 win in foursomes over Bernice Ilas and Nicole Abelar before returning in the afternoon to partner with compatriot Kan Bunnabodee in routing Pauline del Rosario and Annyka Cayabyag, 3&2, in four-ball.

The team that wins 15.5 points will win the first-ever
Ryder Cup-style event. The singles events will be played tomorrow. —MUSONG R. CASTILLO