Thai Yupaporn Kawinpakorn pulled away from Princess Superal after 10 holes then coasted to victory over compatriot Chonlada Chayanun in the
ICTSI South Forbes Ladies Invitational in Silang, Cavite, on Thursday.
Tied with Superal after 36 holes, Kawinpakorn went 4-up with an even card after 10 holes as the local ace fumbled with two bogeys and a double-bogey.
Kawinpakorn then bucked double-bogeys in the last two holes to tally a four-over-par 71 and beat Chayanun by two with a 206 total for her second crown after winning the Philippine Ladies Open 10 years ago.
“I knew I could win here because the course is short,” said Kawinpakorn, who received the top P150,000 purse from Philippine Golf Tour executive director Narlene Soriano at the close of the 11-stage Ladies PGT circuit. “But we had to deal with the wind that blew from all directions all tournament-long.”
Chayanun fell by as many as seven shots after 16 holes but gained a three-shot swing with a birdie on No. 17, finishing with a 70 and bagging P95,000 for second place at 208.
It was Chayanun’s second straight runner-up effort after a 1-2-3 romp by the Thais in the Philippine Ladies Masters won by Renuka Suksukont at The Country Club two weeks ago.
Superal got derailed by back-to-back bogeys from No. 6 and a double-bogey on No. 10 and tumbled to a 74, ending up third at 209 worth P60,000 in the event put up by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Chihiro Ikeda placed fourth following a 70 and 210 while Dottie Ardina skidded with a 73 after a triple bogey seven on the final hole to place fifth with a 211 total.