Agojo seeks HK Open title repeat

MANILA, Philippines – Jayvie Agojo hopes to ride the momentum of her thrilling Santi Cup victory last week as she opens defense of her crown in the Hong Kong Ladies Open Amateur and Mid-Amateur Golf Championships beginning today at the Discovery Bay Golf Club.

Agojo fought back from two strokes down then nipped Malaysia Kelly Tan in the countback to bag the individual crown in the ladies side of the Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Championships in Indonesia, further boosting her confidence heading to this week’s 54-hole tournament featuring the leading and rising players in the region.

But the 26-year-old former Philippine Ladies Open champion expects a tough outing right in the opening round as she draws fellow Team ICTSI-Philippines spearhead Princess Superal and local bet’s Lee Ching Nam in the 7:40 a.m. flight

Agojo, a product of Pepperdine University, dominated the field last year at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, beating Taiwanese Peng Chieh by three while likewise taking the accompanying mid-amateur crown in a two-title sweep.

But she faces a stronger challenge this time with teammates Cyna Rodriguez, Sarah Ababa, Lovelynn Guioguio and Daniella Uy and veteran campaigner Eva Miñoza also in the fold.

Thailand is likewise fielding in a young but talent-laden crew headed by Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong, Kamonwan Lueamsri, Chayant Wangmahaporn, Pitchsaon Chaichompoo and Benyapa Niphatsophon.