Thai champ out to regain ladies Open crown

MANILA, Philippines - Yupaporn Kawinpakorn joins the talent-laden Thailand contingent vying in this week’s Philippine Ladies Open Championship, seeking to recapture the crown she won in 2007 against a field headlined by the country’s aces and toughened up by a horde of foreign bets.

Kawinpakorn beat Malaysian Ainil Johani Abu Bakar by two strokes to pocket the title at The Country Club layout five years ago, ending a six-year reign by the local bets and annexing what was only the second Phl Ladies Open title for Thailand.

But the veteran campaigner faces a stiff challenge in the event unfolding tomorrow at Wack Wack’s east course with compatriots Pinrath Loomboonruang and top jungolfers Savitree Thavong and Pathamaporn Ariyamatepreecha looming as the early favorites to contend for this year’s diadem.

Loomboonruang is coming off a silver medal finish in the recent SEA Games. She also bagged the gold in last year’s Santi Cup in Hong Kong, edging Dottie Ardina by one while anchoring Thailand’s come-from-behind victory over the Philippines in team play.

The other Thais competing in the event, presented by Champion Infinity, are Suthavee Chanachai, Jittakarn Chandraviroj, Sasitorn Chokwatana, Pornvipa Sakdee, Sida Raksangob, Supamas Sangchan, Arporn Maneerux, Busara Tanphhipat and Suvimol Seripahnakul and Jariyawadee Wadeesirisak.

Malaysia, on the other hand, will be led by Annie Yong, Shirley Poh and Norlida Anis. Also in the fold are Koreans Lee Jeong Hwa and Seo Yon Kwon, Ikuko Kito and Mika Kubota of Japan, Swedes Eimee Headeguer and Royena Bjorklund, Australian Prescila Keogh, Maureen Nijhof of the Netherlands and Lourdes Acuesta of the US.

Meanwhile, the organizing Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines will host a cocktail among participants and officials today at Wack Wack Clubhouse immediately after the traditional 4 p.m. ceremonial tee-off.

Ardina, meanwhile, banners the local challenge along with ICTSI teammates Jayvie Agojo, winner in 2005, Andie Unson, Sarah Ababa, Sunshine Baraquiel, 2010 champion Cyna Rodriguez and Lovelynn Guioguio, winner of the Philippine Amateur Championship last Sunday.

The other backers of the event are EEI, Nescafe, RCBC, De Capriccio Jewellers, Tres Palmas, Alabang Ladies Chapter, Canlubang Ladies Chapter, Forest Hills Ladies Chapter, Manila Golf Ladies Chapter, Sta. Elena Ladies Chapter and Tagaytay Highlands Ladies Chapter as hole sponsors.

Clubs all over the country will also be fielding their best bets in the Open, which will also feature the Class A and Class B events after the classification on the second day.

Playing are entries from Canlubang, Sta. Elena, Eagle Ridge, Southwoods, Valley Golf, Orchard, AFP Golf Club (formerly Aguinaldo GC), Riviera, Tagaytay Highlands,Alta Vista, Forest Hills, Pueblo de Oro, Canlubang, Del Monte, Navy and Southwoods.