Superal, Del Rosario gain in US Girls

MANILA, Philippines - Princess Superal and Pauline del Rosario produced contrasting victories over their respective rivals to advance to the second round of the US Girls Junior Championship match play at the Sycamore Golf Club in Forth Wayne, Indiana Wednesday.

Superal, impressive with a joint 11th place finish in the 36-hole stroke play qualifier, struggled past No. 46 Youngin Chun of Texas, 2&1, while Del Rosario, who barely made it to the knockout stage at No, 56, outclassed fifth seed Kelsey Ulep of California, 6&5.

The two ICTSI-backed bets, however, found themselves in the same upper bracket and could meet in the third round should they prevail over their respective opponents Thursday.

Del Rosario, redisplaying the form that netted her the girls’ 13-14 crown in last week’s Junior World, faces Cheyenne Knight, also of Texas, who demolished Danielle Lee, 6&4.

Superal, who teamed up with Daniella Uy to win the team title in the premier 15-17 category and cap the Team Philippines’ three-victory romp in San Diego, takes on Gabriella Then of California, who trounced Gabrielle Barker, 4&3.

Uy, meanwhile, failed to sustain her charge after a cruise in the elims, bowing to Lakareber Abe of Texas, 4&3, in the lower bracket.

Top seed Bailey Tardy survived a big scare from Abbey Carlson, rallying from two holes down after No. 15 with a sweep of the last three, hacking out a thrilling 1-up victory.