Fortuna sets pace in San Diego jr masters with 70

MANILA, Philippines - Mikhaela Fortuna flashed fine form to card a one-under 70 and wrest a two-stroke lead over China’s Angelina Ye and fellow Filipina Bernice Olivarez-Ilas at the start of the San Diego Junior Masters at the St. Mark Golf Course in San Diego Thursday.

Fortuna, seeking to duplicate ICTSI teammate Princess Superal victory in the premier girls’ 15-18 class Wednesday, rammed in three birdies to negate her two-bogey mishap on the par-71 layout and pace the field in the 11-12 category.

She could’ve posted a three-shot lead after a birdie on the par-5 15th but flubbed a four-foot par putt on the next to settle for a 35-35 card and a two-stroke edge over Ye, who birdied No. 17 to salvage a 72.

Olivarez-Ilas rallied with two birdies in the last four holes to likewise shoot a 72 while Sam Bruce, who topped a recent ladies pro qualifier at home, stumbled with four bogeys at the back for a 75 in a tie with compatriot Sofia Legaspi.

Sofia Chabon, another mainstay of Team ICTSI, struggled with six bogeys with no birdie to show and was down at 11th with 77, seven off Fortuna heading to the final round of the 36-hole tournament serving as tune-up for next week’s Junior World.

Sophia Blanco, meanwhile, shot a one-under 35 to trail Brianna Park of the US by one in the girls’ 9-10 division while Eagle Ace Superal also made a 35 but stood three strokes off American Alexa Pano in girls’ 7-8 class.

Princess Superal rallied from behind to capture the 15-18 crown with a closing 71, beating Laura Hoskin of New Zealand by one at the Sycuan Golf and Country Club Wednesday.