Ardina overtakes Thai aces in Beverly golf

MEXICO, Pampanga— Dottie Ardina put together a sterling four-under 67 in tough conditions to zoom ahead by two over Thai aces Punpaka Phuntumabamrung and Chonlada Chayanun in the second round of the ICTSI Beverly Place Ladies Classic here on Thursday.

Ardina rebounded from a one-over 72 start with a 32-35 card as the LPGA Tour-bound shotmaker found her range and rhythm on a day the erstwhile leaders struggled at the short but tricky course.

Ardina wasn’t spared of the ordeal but the Canlubang ace made the most of her near-impeccable iron game to churn out the lone-under card and seize control at 139. Phuntumabamrung and the come-backing Chayanun pooled identical 141s after a 71 and 72, respectively.

“My irons were good but I struggled with my putting. I missed at least five birdie chances inside seven feet and could’ve finished with a seven-under card,” said Ardina.

Chayanun, who shared the lead with compatriots Mookharin Ladgratok and Ornnicha Konsunthea after a 69 on Wednesday, rallied with three birdies in the last five holes to overturn a four-over card. She salvaged a 37-35 card and tied Phuntumabamrung, who strung up nines of 34-37 at second.