TARLAC – Thai PK Kongkraphan continued her dominance by capturing the ICTSI Luisita Ladies International 2024 championship despite a 74, adding another remarkable achievement to her storied career.
However, the victory didn’t come without drama as Hsuan Chen posed a formidable challenge throughout the $100,000 championship co-sanctioned by the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, turning the final nine holes into a virtual match play and a gripping test of nerves.
However, it was Kongkraphan’s unwavering determination that proved decisive in the stretch.
Capitalizing on Chen’s costly bogeys on Nos. 15, 16 and 17, the former seized the opportunity to regain control of the match, securing the hard-fought, three-stroke victory with a brave run of pars.
Kongkraphan’s triumph, fashioned out on a five-under 211 total and worth $18,000, exemplifies her ability to rise to the occasion and navigate challenging circumstances with grace and skill
Kongkraphan, who campaigned for seven years on the LPGA Tour, also accumulated several championships on the Thai LPGA, leading to Order of Merit titles the last three years.
Despite facing adversity with a one-birdie, two-bogey over nine holes to fall behind, the reigning Asian Games individual gold medalist displayed her experience and composure by stringing together a series a pars in the last seven holes.
As Chen briefly seized the lead with a frontside 35 and remained neck-and-neck with Kongkraphan in the early stages of the back nine, the pressure mounted for both competitors with the Taiwanese reeling back with consecutive bogeys from No. 10 and the Khon Kaen native also yielding a stroke on the 11th, setting the stage for a frenetic finish.
But Chen’s wavering backside 41 led to a 76 and Kongkraphan’s commanding victory. It also enabled Harmie Constantino, who fired the day’s best 69, and Chih-Yun Wu, who matched par 72 for the second straight time, to finish tied for second at 214 in the 54-hole championship sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Each received $8,233.
Florence Bisera pulled to within three with two birdies in the first five holes but failed to sustain her charge, reeling back with three bogeys in the last 11 holes and ending up with a 73 for solo fifth at 215 worth $4,000.
Sarah Ababa shot a 71 to tie Dussavi Soopimjit and Pear Pooratangaopa, who carded 73 and 74, respectively, at sixth with 217s, while Kanyawawt Poomklay came through with a 70 for joint ninth at 218 with Eri Ashizawa (72), Kultida Pramphun (73) and Wad Phaewchimplee (76).
While Kongkraphan also tasted success on the TLPGA, her crowning achievement came at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China last year, where she emerged victorious against the region’s best.
Kongkraphan applied early pressure on her rivals, extending her overnight one-stroke lead with an early birdie on the tricky second hole. Despite challenges from Chen and Bisera, she remained unfazed, showcasing her championship pedigree and closing out the tournament in style.
