Bianca banks P2.2 million on strong windup

MANILA, Philippines — Bianca Pagdanganan turned in a closing one-over 72 to place joint 49th in the US Women’s Open ruled by top-ranked Nelly Korda Sunday at the tough Riviera Country Club in California.

Pagdanganan was hoping to end the $12-million major championship with a bang after struggling in the middle rounds but managed only two birdies against three bogeys to settle for 36-36 in the last round.

Counting her earlier cards of 70-74-75, the Filipina ace toted seven-over 291 through 72 holes – 15 strokes behind Korda’s winning 276 after a final-round 69 – to earn $35,501 (around P2.19 million).

Despite finishing way below her first-round standing of 14th, Pagdanganan enjoyed her strongest performance so far in the prestigious US Women’s Open.