Ikeda 4 shots off in Sime Darby elims

MANILA, Philippines - Former SEA Games gold medalist Chihiro Ikeda carded a two-over 73 and trailed Taiwanese Ssu Chia Cheng by four at the start of 36-hole Sime Darby Qualifier at the par-71 Kuala Lumpur Golf Club in Malaysia Thursday.

Ikeda, who placed second at ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour leg in Canlubang last month, failed to get going early and needed to sink clutch par putts in the closing holes to salvage a 73 for sixth, four shots behind Cheng, who fired a two-under 71 to lead the two elims for berths in the rich Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia set next month.

Organizers are staking two slots for the $2 million LPGA leg set Oct. 10-13, also at KLGC.

Cyna Rodriguez, who ran away with the ICTSI LPGT Eagle Ridge crown on her maiden pro tournament two weeks ago, shot a 74 while Jayvie Agojo and Team ICTSI spearhead Princess Superal struggled with 76 and 77, respectively.

Cheng posted a one-shot lead over compatriot Pei Yun Chien while Indonesia’s Aditi Ashok turned in a one-over 72.

Over in Hong Kong, Junior World champion Pauline del Rosario had a two-over card after four holes while ICTSI teammate Sofia Chabon went four-over in as many holes when play was halted due to thunderstorm at the start of the Hong Kong Ladies Amateur Open at the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club.

Mika Fortuna had a seven-over card after six holes while Abby Arevalo went nine-over after eight in the event, which Rodriguez won in a playoff over Agojo last year.