Thais overwhelm field, post 1-2 finish at Philippine Ladies Open
MANILA, Philippines — Thailand turned the Philippine Ladies Open into its own showcase, with Tanjira Issaraphon completing a commanding eight-stroke victory despite a closing 74 at the Manila Golf Club on Thursday.
Armed with a massive cushion built on a brilliant second-round 68, Issaraphon entered the final round in complete control and never allowed the door to open. Rather than force the issue, she played within herself, calmly stringing together steady pars and absorbing a few bogeys without panic. The measured approach was more than enough to seal a runaway triumph at 219.
Issaraphon’s victory underscored Thailand’s overwhelming dominance in the 54-hole championship. Compatriot Ngampan Chantana fired a 72 to clinch runner-up honors at 227, completing a decisive 1-2 finish for the Thais. Even more telling: both Issaraphon and Chantana are members of Thailand’s Team B — a testament to the country’s depth and development program.
While Thailand showcased poise, structure and depth, the hosts failed to capitalize on whatever edge local knowledge of the Manila Golf Club layout might have provided. With some of the country’s top amateur aces unavailable, the burden fell on a largely young roster of hopefuls — many of them junior standouts — but the challenge proved steep.
Precious Zaragosa, in contention entering the final round, cracked under pressure and stumbled to a 78, tumbling to a distant joint third at 229. Junia Gabasa likewise faltered with a 77 to share third, as both struggled to mount any serious charge against the runaway leader.
Lisa Sarines, who ignited hopes with a strong opening round to seize early control, never recovered from a second-round slide. She limped home with a 77 to finish fifth at 231, a far cry from last year’s runner-up effort.
Johanna Uyking carded a 75 to tie Singapore’s Passion Hsu (76) at sixth with 232, alongside Tashanah Balangauan (78), Rafella Batican (79) and Crista Minoza (79).
In the end, the week belonged entirely to Thailand. From Issaraphon’s clinical front-running performance to Chantana’s closing rally, the visitors dictated the pace and handled the Manila layout with authority. The locals, despite familiarity with the course, could not convert that supposed advantage into sustained contention — a stark reminder of the widening competitive gap and the Thais’ growing stranglehold on the regional stage.
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