MEXICO, Pampanga – Thai Yupaporn Kawinpakorn birdied the final hole for a three-under par 68 and a one-shot lead over Chihiro Ikeda in the penultimate round of the ICTSI Beverly Place Ladies Classic at the par-71 course here.
Kawinpakorn, who won the season-ending LPGT event at South Forbes last month, made her move in the back nine after making the turn at even par.
“I played so relaxed today (yesterday) and my irons and wedges contributed to my good score,” said Kawinpakorn who has a two-day total of 136.
Ikeda also birdied the 18th for 69 and remained in strong contention in the P750,000 event sponsored by ICTSI.
“I struggled with my irons at the front but the good thing was my putting clicked,” said Ikeda, seeking to score another victory after ruling the Forest Hills leg last November. “I’ll just play my game tomorrow (today) and try not to put pressure on myself.”
Dottie Ardina climbed into contention after firing a tournament-best 67, just two shots behind the Thai leader.
The winner of the 54-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. will take home P150,000.
“I had a good game, no bogeys. But I’m still adjusting to the speed of the greens. You need to have a good read and a firm putt to score here,” said Ardina, who had four birdies.
The rest, however, stood too far behind with Cyna Rodriguez and Princess Superal carding identical 72s for 142 and 143, respectively, with Thais Aunchisa Utama firing a 70 and Tiranan Yoopan also turning in a 72 to joint Superal at fifth.
Pimpadsorn Sangkagaro, Ananya Vitayakonkomol and Alisa Wedchakama, also of Thailand, shot similar 72s for 145, 146 and 147, respectively, in the event backed by Custom Clubmakers, BDO, Meralco, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Champion, Summit Mineral Water and K&G Golf.