Superal shares lead after 70 in Hong Kong Open

HONG KONG – Princess Superal shook off an early putting struggle and rammed in three birdies against a bogey at the back for a two-under 70 and a share of the lead with local ace Tiffany Chan at the start of the Hong Kong Ladies Amateur Open at the HK Golf Club in Fanling here yesterday.

Superal, seeking to extend her stirring four-win romp to close out the 2015 season, recovered from a shaky frontside stint with three birdies in the first six holes on her homeward trip, her closing 34 keeping her in step with the reigning World University Games gold medalist, who also won a pro tournament in Taiwan last year, and in early title contention in the 54-hole event originally set last September but was moved to this year due to inclement weather.

“I missed a couple of birdie putts at the front but made some good reads at the back,” said Superal, who racked up four victories abroad to wrap up the 2015 season. “I hope to get better in the next two rounds but I also expect some tough challenge from the rest of the field.”