Unson seizes lead in Optimist International

MANILA, Philippines - Andie Unson continued to flash fine form, firing a one-under 71 to wrest a one-stroke lead over Hawaii’s Eimi Koga in the second round of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship at the PGA National Golf and Resort Club in Palm Beach, Florida Sunday.

Unson made two birdies against a bogey at the front then parred the backside of the par-72 layout to turn in one of the day’s best scores under tough condition.

Two down behind Colombia’s Anna Bohmer at the start of the round, the top ICTSI bet took charge with an even 144 aggregate, counting her opening 73, as she moved within 18 holes away from wrapping up the girls’ 14-15 division crown.

“She’s in top shape and playing with so much confidence. But she must polish her putting more to be able to nail this one,” said ICTSI coach Bong Lopez.

Unson is coming off a successful stint in the US Women’s Am qualifier which she topped in Stockton, California last week.

Koga matched Unson’s 71 to assume the challenger’s role at 145 while Maria Villalobos of Colombia carded a 73 to be at 147.

Bohmer wavered at the backside with three bogeys and a double-bogey and wound up with a 41 and 78 and tumbled down to joint fifth at 149.

Meanwhile, Daniella Uy birdied No. 16 for a 73 and remained in fourth in the 12-13 division of the annual event featuring some of the world’s leading junior players. She had a 147 and stood five strokes off Ana Valdes of Mexico, who had a 142 after a second straight 71.