Guioguio keeps lead in Sarawak

MANILA, Philippines - Lovelynn Guioguio bucked poor putting with steady driving to match par 72 and pull away by five shots over a charging Chihiro Ikeda in the second round of the Sarawak Amateur Open at the Sarawak Golf Club Resort in Malaysia Saturday.

Guioguio hit most of the fairways and gunned down three birdies inside nine feet that made up for his three-putt miscues on Nos. 6, 10 and 16 for that 72 and a 36-hole haul of 146.

That was five shots up on ICTSI teammate Ikeda, who rallied from fourth place to emerge the challenger at 151 after a 72 as erstwhile pursuer Jayvie Agojo, just one behind Guioguio after 18 holes, skied with a 77 and tumbled down to third at 152.

“I will play with more heart tomorrow (today),” said Guioguio, out to get back at Ikeda, who rallied from four strokes down to snatch the Thailand Ladies Open title recently.

Ikeda, also the reigning Philippine Ladies Open champion, mixed two birdies with the same number of bogeys in another hot, humid day, missing a couple of birdie opportunities in the closing holes.

Malaysian Nur Durriyay also struggled with a 77 and slid to fourth at 153 while Sarah Ababa and Sunshine Baraquiel, also of the ICTSI golf squad, reeled way behind at 157 and 160 after a 77 and an 84, respectively.

“Despite the lead, it’s going to be a good match in the final day. Ikeda is ready and aiming to score another win,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez.

After a fine start, Agojo, who teamed up with Ababa to win the New Zealand Foursomes crown in Christchurch, struggled with her iron game and wound up with a birdie-less 39-38 round marred by three putts on Nos. 8 and 18.