Suksukont heads Thais’ 1-2-3 finish

Renuka Suksukont floundered briefly, then regained her bearing to complete a coast-to-coast victory in the ICTSI Philippine Ladies Masters Saturday dominated by the Thais at The Country Club in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Boosted by a built-in four-shot lead, Suksukont bucked a triple-bogey 7 on No. 9 with back-to-back birdies on holes 10 and 11 to thwart the challenge of compatriots Chonlada Chayanan and Ploychampoo Wirairungreung for the $12,000 top purse.

Birdieing the final hole, the 22-year-old Bangkok resident salvaged an even par 72 and bested Chayanan, who carded a 70, and Wirairungreung, who fired a tournament-best 67, by two shots with a 54-hole total of 211.

Chonlada’s rally fizzled out following back-to-back bogeys from No. 15, allowing Suksukont to lift the champion’s trophy on her maiden stint in the $80,000 event co-sanctioned by China and Taiwan LPGA Tours and Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

“This (win) is memorable because I made it on my first try,” said Suksukont, who posted her first victory on the China LPGA Tour.

Filipino Chihiro Ikeda faltered with four bogeys for a 76 and wound up joint 12th at 219. —ROY LUARCA