By Waylon Galvez
Bianca Pagdanganan pushed herself in solid position for a dream victory by turning a vibrant a five-under-par 67 that left her a stroke off new leader Friday in the LPGA Drive On Championship-Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro Georgia.
Along with her opening 68, the country’s double gold medalist in last year’s SEA Games, tied world No. 5 Daniella Kang at 135, just a shot behind American Ally McDonald who carded a 68 in the $1.3 million event.
The 22-year-old tour rookie mixed her round with birdies on 2, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 18 that more than made up for a bogey on 8.
“At some point, you’re going to have to put yourself in contention to understand what it’s like to play on that level,” said Pagdanganan. “I’ll stick to my game plan and not force anything to happen just like I have these past two rounds.”
Pagdanganan is hoping to win her first LPGA title in six starts.
She placed joint ninth in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Pennsylvania two weeks ago – a feat that earned her a spot in December’s US Women’s Open at Champions in Houston.
Former world No. 1 and two-time major winner Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand remains in contention with a 136 after a 69 for solo fourth.
Swede Pernilla Lindberg, another former champion, had a 69 for a three-way tie at fifth at 137 with Australia’s Katherine Kirk and Englishwoman Mel Reid, who shot a 65 and 68, respectively.
