PH LADIES OPEN: Thai seeks repeat win

Yupaporn Kawinpakorn will head the talent-laden Thailand contingent vying in this week’s Philippine Ladies Open Championship, which she won in 2007 against a field headlined by the country’s aces.

Yupaporn beat Malaysian Ainil Johani Abu Bakar by two strokes to pocket the title at The Country Club layout five years ago, securing what was only the second PH Ladies Open title for Thailand.

But the veteran campaigner faces a stiff challenge in the tournament unfolding tomorrow at Wack Wack’s East course with compatriots Pinrath Loomboonruang and top jungolfers Savitree Thavong and Pathamaporn Ariyamatepreecha also contending for the title.

Pinrath is coming off a silver-medal finish in last November’s Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia. She also bagged the gold in last year’s Santi Cup in Hong Kong, edging Dottie Ardina by one while anchoring Thailand’s come-from-behind win over the Philippines in team play.

Malaysia, on the other hand, will be led by Annie Yong, Shirley Poh and Norlida Anis.

Also in the fold are South Koreans Lee Jeong-hwa and Seo Yon-kwon, Ikuko Kito and Mika Kubota of Japan, Swedes Eimee Headeguer and Royena Bjorklund, Australian Prescila Keogh, Maureen Nijhof of the Netherlands and Lourdes Acuesta of the United States.

The organizing Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines will host a cocktail among participants and officials today at the Wack Wack clubhouse immediately after the traditional 4 p.m. ceremonial tee-off.