Rodriguez, Manalo share third in Oregon qualifier

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Cyna Rodriguez and Louise Manalo bucked the wind and carded a pair of two-over par 74s to share third place at the start of the 36-hole stroke play qualifying in the PNGA (Pacific Northwest Golf Association) Women’s Amateur Championship in Molalla, Oregon Sunday.

Rodriguez, who bested ICTSI teammate Anya Tanpinco in an all-Filipino finale last year, holed out with back-to-back birdies in cool condition at the Arrowhead Golf Club to tie Manalo, the reigning RP Ladies Open champion, at third, two shots behind Sara Ovadia, who matched par 72.

Claire Bachor of Washington shot a 73 to take second place.

Five other ICTSI-backed bets also dished out decent rounds with Dottie Ardina, runner-up in the recent WWGA Championship, carding a 75 for fifth and Bambee dela Paz and Chihiro Ikeda turning in identical 76s.

Anya Tanpinco had a 77 while Sarah Ababa made an 80 but stayed well within the cutoff score for the tournament proper.

The top 32 players from among the 75 aspirants after two rounds will advance to the match play phase of the event.