Unson moves up by one in China Amateur

MANILA, Philippines - Andie Unson salvaged an even-par 72 in tough playing condition and grabbed a one-stroke lead over Zy Wang halfway through China Amateur golf tournament at Beijing California Country Club course in Fangshan, Beijing Saturday.

Unson birdied No. 18 from seven feet to save a 36-36 card that also featured a birdie on No. 3 and marred by missed green bogeys on Nos. 14 and 16. Counting her lead-sharing 71 in the first round, the top ICTSI bet pooled a 143 to move ahead of the field with two rounds left in China’s premier amateur event.

Erstwhile co-leader Wang fumbled with a 73 and dropped to 144 while R Ji, another local bet, carded a 74 and stood four strokes adrift at 147.

“Andie struggled with her driving but made up for this with steady putting. She saved pars three times from around 8 feet and finished with 29 putts,” said ICTSI team coach Nestor Mendoza.

Unson, the reigning Philippine Amateur champion, is honing up for next month’s SEA Games in Jakarta where she will team up with Dottie Ardina and Chihiro Ikeda.

The Philippine ladies team is seeking to retain the twin crowns in the biennial meet, including the individual title won by Ikeda. Ardina is in top form with back-to-back victories the last three weeks although Ikeda still has to get in shape following a series of mediocre finishes.