Thai champ back in LPGT hunt at Splendido Classic

Supakchaya Pattaranakrueang, who outlasted Cyna Rodriguez in a three-hole playoff at Luisita last year, returns to help anchor Thailand’s title drive in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour in the ICTSI Splendido Ladies Classic beginning Tuesday at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas.

Pattaranakrueang, who has competed in various regional tours, hopes to provide added push for a Thai side which took a beating from the local aces last week at Beverly Place.

The Thais, who will also count on Punpaka Phuntumabamrung, Chonlada Chayanun and Ornnicha Konsunthea, dominated last year’s edition of the annual circuit put up by ICTSI, winning five of the 12 titles, including Pattaranakrueang’s thriller of a win over the former three-time LPGT Order of Merit champion.

Veteran Yupaporn Kawinpakorn ruled the new 2018-19 season by ruling Pradera Verde last December.

But Dottie Ardina stamped her class at Beverly Place, putting in solid games in the last two rounds to run away with a six-shot victory over Pauline del Rosario.

Princess Superal will take  the cudgels for the hosts this week as Ardina and Del Rosario compete in the Women’s World Championship Qualifying in Singapore.