Wide-open title race seen as PH Ladies Open fires off

MANILA, Philippines – With Chihiro Ikeda reportedly deciding to turn pro, the 50th edition of the Philippine Ladies’ Open now promises to be a wide-open race among local standouts and foreign bidders starting Wednesday at the tough Wack Wack East in Mandaluyong.

Newly crowned Philippine Amateur Open champ Lovelyn Guioguio and veteran internationalist Dottie Ardina are left to carry the fight for local pride against topnotch players from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Guioguio came from behind last Sunday to annex the PH Am at Canlubang, a course that has a striking resemblance to Wack Wack East because of its tree-lined roughs and bending fairways.

“Wack Wack East is tough, especially the greens,” said the 24-year-old Guioguio who, along with Ardina, is being supported by ICTSI. “I’m still trying to polish my putting stroke.”

Yupaporn Kawinpakorn of Thailand, the 2007 winner at The Country Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, is spearheading a crack Thai delegation that includes some of her country’s finest junior standouts.

Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Pinrath Pinrath Loomboonruang and top age-groupers Savitree Thavong and Pathamaporn Ariyamatepreecha are also part of the impressive Thai roster.

“The greens are tricky and it’s hard to say if I can win again,” said the 20-year-old Yupaporn.

Ardina, meanwhile, will be shooting to win her first PH Ladies Open title.

“We can score here but we have to be in our best shape,” said Ardina, after yesterday’s practice round over the par-72 course which has been home to the professional Philippine Open, Asia’s oldest national championship.