Superal nips Del Rosario in playoff, bags RSGC crown

MANILA, Philippines - Princess Superal blew a three-stroke lead but fought back from two shots down in the closing holes before nipping ICTSI teammate Pauline del Rosario in sudden death to capture the Royal Selangor Golf Club Ladies Amateur Open golf crown at the RSGC layout in Malaysia Thursday.

Superal, who closed out with a third straight even par 73, watched Del Rosario flub a 15-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole then knocked down her own birdie bid from 10 feet to win the crown she nearly lost with a sputtering start.

The ace Filipino shotmaker stormed to a three-shot lead over Del Rosario and Malaysian Diane Luke after 36 holes but floundered with a 38 after nine holes with bogeys on Nos. 2 and 3, enabling Del Rosario to seize control by two with a solid three-under 33 start.

But Superal recovered her form at the back, birdying Nos. 11 and 13 to regain a one-stroke lead, only to fall into a tie as Del Rosario rolled in an improbable birdie putt from 30 feet out to shoot a 70 and force a playoff at 219.

Superal, the reigning Singapore Amateur Ladies Open champion, missed winning it outright with a muffed 12-foot birdie putt.

“Princess just hung in there and made the putts that mattered while the experience should toughen up Pauline all the more,” said Team ICTSI coach Bong Lopez of her prized wards.

It was a sorry setback for Del Rosario, who won the 13-14 crown in last month’s Junior World in San Diego. She looked headed for a big win after an impressive frontside stint but cracked under pressure at the back when Superal launched her fightback.

Superal’s victory thus capped Team ICTSI/Philippines sweep of the tournament as Superal and Del Rosario combined for 295 to beat Malaysia (300) for the team crown disputed over 36 holes Wednesday.