Filipino golfers target sweep of HK Amateur

The Philippines tries to annex the other plum in the Hong Kong Amateur Open when seven members of the national pool begin their quest for the men’s crown beginning today at the Ruby and Diamond courses of the Discovery Bay Golf Club in Hong Kong.

Anthony Fernando, who placed ninth in the recent Singapore Open, spearheads the curious mix of players out to complete the Filipinos’ sweep of the annual event after Dottie Ardina and Cyna Rodriguez made a 1-2 finish in last month’s HK Ladies Open Amateur Golf Championship.

Joining Fernando in the RP squad, whose stint here is sponsored by ICTSI and sanctioned by NGAP, are Miko Alejandro, Eugene Bunyi, Dante Becierra, Marcel Puyat, Wolen Superal and Gene Bondoc.

Although the likes of Jay Bayron and Marvin Dumandan are not in the fold, the Philippines remains hopeful of its chances with Fernando looming as the country’s top bet in the event.

Fernando opens his bid at the Diamond layout in the 8:40 a.m. flight with Hong Kong’s Derek Paton and Singapore’s Timothy Low, while Alejandro hopes to take advantage of an early morning tee-off at 7:40 a.m. in the company of Shao Min-shu of Taiwan and Kelvin Inge of Hong Kong.

Ardina, 12, became the youngest winner of the event when she posted a two-stroke victory over Rodriguez, Carmelette Villaroman and Thai Chayuda Singhsuwan despite a final round score of 79.

Other Filipinos competing are Jhonnel Ababa, Mhark Fernando, Joel Altez IV, Jong Laput, Rufino Bayron, Theodore Pascual and David Norwood.