Tanpinco eyes 3-peat in National Am golf

MANILA, Philippines - Anya Tanpinco tries to extend her domination of the Philippine Amateur Golf Championships presented by Samsung as she shoots for a third straight victory when the event is held June 3-7 at Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, Rizal.

Tanpinco, 25, survived a gutsy stand from teener Irina Gabasa to hack out a two-up victory in last year’s championship at the former’s home course in Bacolod.

Like the last time out, the mainstay of the ICTSI golf stable is expected to be challenged by a talent-laden field in the event sponsored by Samsung and organized by the National Golf Association of the Phils., including Gabasa and fellow ICTSI teammates Chihiro Ikeda and Sarah Ababa.

Also tipped to contend for the crown are Eva Miñoza, Cristine Leonen, Apple Fudolin and Regina de Guzman.

Other backers of the event are Mizuno, A Round of Golf, the Philippine Sports Commision, Inquirer Golf Monthly and hole-in-one sponsors Club Car, International Armoring Inc., Custom Clubmaker, Crestlink, ABW, Gargol and CranUTI.

The top 16 players after the 36-hole stroke play qualifying on June 3-4 will advance to the match play phase of the ladies side of the event.

Meanwhile, registration is ongoing, including in the men’s and seniors divisions. Entry fee is pegged at P2,500. For details, call up NGAP at (632-5179778/5577849) or fax (632-7065926) or Eastridge Golf Club at (632-6512240/6512275 or fax (632-6512270).

Deadline for listup is on May 25 for foreign players and May 26 for local bets.