Cyna cards another 73, stays in hunt

MANILA, Philippines - Cyna Rodriguez carded a second straight 73 and safely made it to the second round cut in the Women’s North and South Amateur Golf Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina Wednesday.

Rodriguez, coming off back-to-back victories in Sacramento and Long Beach three weeks ago, hit two birdies against three bogeys for that 73 and a 146 as she finished seven strokes behind leader Annie Park at joint 20th after the 36-hole stroke play qualifiers at Pinehurst No. 4 layout.

The top 60 players from a starting field of 112 made it to the third round, another stroke play phase, with the top 16 advancing to the match play set at Pinehurst No. 2 course.

Park slowed down with a 72 after a 67 but still topped the field with a 139, one shot ahead of Katherine Perry, who rallied with a 67 for a 140 in a tie with Ally McDonald, who had a second 70.

The top ICTSI-backed bet Rodriguez is seeking to add the crown to her growing list of victories, including a pair of come-from-behind wins in Sacramento and Long Beach. She also qualified, along with ICTSI teammate Princess Superal, in the US Women’s Amateur.