Rodriguez eyes 3rd ICTSI LPGT crown

MANILA, Philippines - Cyna Rodriguez hopes to re-display the form that netted her back-to-back runaway victories on the ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour as she shoots for a third straight title in the ICTSI Camp John Hay LPGT which reels off Oct. 29 at John Hay Golf Club in Baguio City.

Rodriguez, who marked her pro debut with an eight-shot win over Jayvie Agojo at LPGT Eagle Ridge last August then beat Mia Piccio by six at LPGT Wack Wack last September, is all set for another romp in the closing leg of the inaugural five-stage circuit put up by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

But she will be facing a fired-up field out to snap her streak with the par 69 course also expected to provide a different kind of challenge for the touring pros with its up-and-down layout and sleek, undulating greens.

Meanwhile, Dottie Ardina, who also romped away with the titles in the first two legs at The Country Club and Canlubang but skipped the next two to compete in the LPGA Qualifier, has opted to stay in the US to prepare for the Final Stage of the Q-School in December, missing what could’ve been an explosive showdown between the circuit’s two-leg winners.

Still, Rodriguez will be taking on a strong field that includes Jayvie Agojo, Chihiro Ikeda, Lovelynn Guioguio, Anya Tanpinco and Apple Fudolin, who all vowed to go all-out for a victory in the 54-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Touraments, Inc. and backed by Nike Golf, Pacsports, Gatorade, Sharp and Custom Clubmakers.

A slew of top amateurs, headed by Team ICTSI members Princess Superal, Pauline Del Rosario, Mikaela Fortuna and Bernice Olivarez-Ilas, are also joining the event as part of their preparations for various international tournaments.

Also in the fold is Felicia Medalla, who captured the recent National Match Play crown, along with Samantha Green, Koreans Kim So Yoom, Shin Hye Min and Oh Kyung Ja and siblings Nikki and Sam Bruce.

Meanwhile, a novel pro-am tournament will be held Monday where the pros will be paired with one amateur to be made up of officials and guests of the event’s chief backers.