Superal solid pick to rule Southern Ladies

MANILA, Philippines - Princess Superal sets out as the solid pick but the reigning US Girls Juniors champion has opted to downplay his chances in the 51st Southern Ladies Open presented by the MVP Sports Foundation which unwraps at the Apo Golf in Davao today.

“I feel good but the field is strong and we all have equal chances this week. But it will boil down to putting,” said Superal, who remains the player to beat in the 54-hole tournament for her form and string of victories this year, capped by his record US Girls Juniors feat in Arizona last month.

But out to foil Superal’s drive for a third straight crown are teammates from the rock-solid The Country Club stable, headed by the up-and-coming Abegail Arevalo, Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso, Sofia Chabon and Sam Martirez.

The squad, coached by swing guru Bong Lopez of the ICTSI team, arrived in Davao Sunday and immediately turned in two practice rounds to get a feel of the challenging, tree-lined course that has hosted a number of pro tournaments, including the Philippine Open.

Lopez has also stressed the need for his wards to develop strength not only for this tournament but more importantly for future events with Superal benefitting most from the rigid physical training as shown in her grueling duel with Mexican Marijosse Navarro in the US Girls Juniors final decided through 37 holes.

“We’re building up on strength and I’m trying to have them train twice a day –before and after each game,” said Lopez. “It’s tough but I’m sure they will all get used to this para lalo silang lumakas.”

Bets coming from some of the country’s most exclusive clubs like Harmie Constantino and Junia Gabasa are als in the fold, all looking to spoil Superal’s “three-peat” bid.

Aside from its bending fairways and thick roughs, the Apo layout will measure over 6,000 yards.

Superal nipped Mexican national champion Marijosse Navarro in Flagstaff, Arizona to become the first Philippine-born player to win a USGA event, a feat that makes her the most successful amateur of her generation.

The awards night will be held on Friday at Casino Filipino-Davao, which is also a major backer of the event.

Superal, a gold medalist in the SEA Games last year, has also won a number of junior tournaments abroad early this year, including the Jakarta Juniors and the Royal Selangor Amateur Open.