Pinay golfer captures Malaysian Jr. Open title

DOTTIE Ardina bucked a horrible outing amidst harsh playing conditions to win the Malaysian Junior Open golf crown despite a birdie-less nine-over 81, beating Aditi Ashok of India by four at the Saujana Golf Resort and Country Club in Subang, Malaysia on Thursday.

Heavy rains that forced the suspension of second-round play on Wednesday made the par-72 longer and tougher with Ardina enduring a day-long struggle with her game marred by seven bogeys and a double bogey in her worst round in years.

The top ICTSI-backed bet completed her suspended second- round stint with a 72 early Thursday then limped home with that 81 for a 54-hole total of 220 as she kept the Philippines domination of the annual event ruled by Sarah Ababa last year.

Ardina, who bogeyed Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 14 and dropped two strokes on No. 13, won by four over Ashok, who failed to cash in on the Filipina’s poor round with a 76 and a 224.

Ababa made a 78 and finished tied for third with Malaysian Loy Hee Ying, who also carded a 78, at 227 while erstwhile pursuer Nur Durriyah, also of Malaysia, also skied with an 81 and tumbled down to fifth with a 229.

Daniella Uy made an 84 and wound up seventh at 234 while ICTSI teammate Sheryl Villacencio ended up ninth with a 240 after a 77.  /Correspondent Jonas Panerio