Ardina leads hunt for RP Ladies Open title

Dottie Ardina, taking a break from her US studies, joins the chase for the ICTSI-Philippine Ladies Open amateur golf championship, raring to showcase her talent and skills in pursuit of the crown against a crack local and international field at the Manila Southwoods’ Legends course.

The 15-year-old Ardina, one of the golf scholars of the ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) golf program, is actually on an extended stay following the holiday break and is looking forward to a successful stint in the 47th staging of the three-day championship beginning Jan. 14.

“I am ready and in top condition,” said Ardina, winner of three international titles last year, including the Junior World in San Diego and the Eagle Creek Open in Florida. “I always play to win.”

That should make the battle for the championship doubly exciting with Ardina, whose best finish in the annual event was sixth in 2007 ruled by Thai Yupaporn Kawinpakorn, taking on a talent-laden field, headed by defending champion and ICTSI teammate Chihiro Ikeda.

Like Ardina, Ikeda is also coming into the 54-hole tourney, organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines, in fine form, having won five tournaments last year, including the Sabah Amateur and the Thailand Junior Open and the other major local event, the DHL Open.

Also tipped to contend for the crown in the event, sponsored by ICTSI, the Philippine Sports Commission, San Miguel Corp., Pagcor and Nike, are reigning back-to-back national champion and SEA Games silver medallist Anya Tanpinco, Sarah Ababa and Louise Manalo, Southwoods’ Sunshine Baraquiel, Cangolf’s Lucy Landicho, Riviera’s Maria Andrea Legaspi, Eva Miñoza and Kristine Leonin of Del Monte, Beverly Mendoza of Navy, and Crystal and Princess Superal of Orchard.

Backing the event are Inquirer Golf, EEI, De Capricho Jewellers, RCBC, Baileys, Chemical Applicators, Bingo Bonanza, Bug Busters, Rapide, Pancake House, Zenorex Marketing and Callaway.