Guioguio shows way over Ikeda

MANILA, Philippines - Lovelyn Guioguio matched par 72 in tough playing condition and snatched a one-stroke lead over ICTSI spearhead Chihiro Ikeda in the second round of the Thailand Ladies Open at the Bangkok Golf Club in Thailand Thursday.

Guioguio blew a two-under card after three holes with a wet double-bogey on No. 9 then banged in a delicate eight-footer for par on No. 18 to save a 36-36 round for a 142, counting her 70 in the first round of the 54-hole tournament.

Flawless with a 67 Wednesday, Ikeda turned in a flawed finish of 7 at the par-4 18th for a four-over 76, blowing an overnight three-shot lead and dropping to second at 143, one stroke behind Guioguio.

Andie Unson and Dottie Ardina also struggled with a 74 and 75, respectively, as they tied for third at 145 with Thai bet Savitree Thavong, who fired the day’s best score of two-under 70.

Jayvie Agojo carded a second straight 74 for a 148 while Daniella Uy also shot a 74 for a 154.

“While Ikeda struggled with her iron play in windy condition, Guioguio played just as steady except for her double-bogey mishap on No. 9,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez, referring to the new leader’s third shot at the par-5 No. 9 which she dumped into the big hazard guarding the green.

Lopez also noted the tough pin placements with the flags hidden either in the corner or behind the bunkers and slopes, ensuring a thrilling finish in Thailand’s premier amateur championship.

The Phl bets, meanwhile, swept the team competition with ICTSI/Phl 1 side of Ikeda, Ardina and Agojo combining for a 149 and a 286 for a two-shot victory over ICTSI/Phl 2 team of Guioguio, Unson and Uy, which had a 289 after a 146.