Chihiro Ikeda shot a two-under par 70 to trail Ahn Sun-ju by three at the start of the Suntory Open at the Rokko Kukusai Golf Club in Kobe, Japan last Thursday.
Ikeda, the reigning Philippine Ladies Open champion, turned in a flawless round at the back where she teed off, hitting three birdies there to join the early leaders in the kickoff leg of the Japan Ladies PGA Tour.
Ikeda remained within sight of the leaders, settling for joint eighth with fellow amateur Sakura Ito.
“Her iron game clicked but she could’ve done better if not for her shaky putting,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez.
Ahn sizzled with a 32 at the front to tie Esther Lee at 67.
Over in Indonesia, Sarah Ababa carded a two-over 74 to grab a one-shot lead over erstwhile leader Kok Jo Ee of Singapore halfway through the Jakarta Junior World Championship at the Damaii Indah Golf Club BSD course, also last Thursday.
Ababa totaled a 149 to pace the Class A field as Kok sputtered with a 77 and dropped to 150.