New Korean leads at Summit Point with Uy six back
The local challenge in the $200,000 ICTSI Philippine Ladies Masters has all but ended after a demanding second day at Summit Point in Lipa City on Thursday, with South Korean Kang Jeong-hyeon toasted as the new leader and the nearest Filipino, Daniella Uy, staying six shots adrift.
With only 18 holes to be played and conditions at the well-manicured layout not expected to be any easier, Uy, who shot a two-over-par 73 to be at level 144, will have to leapfrog five Koreans, five Taiwanese and four other foreigners to give the Philippines its first win in the prestigious event.
Kang survived a penalty-less double bogey 5 on the 17th to shoot a 71 for 138 and lead countrywoman Hwang Yeon-seo, who returned a day-best 67, and Taiwan’s Ching Huang, who fired a 69, by a shot heading into the final round of the 54-hole championship that drew some of the best in the region.
‘Didn’t mind the wind’
Sarah Ababa, who won the local tour’s Order of Merit title last year, was the next best Filipino at 145 as Mafy Singson skied to a 75 to be another stroke off and Pauline del Rosario shot a 74 to be at 149 overall.
“I just didn’t mind the wind,” Kang said through an interpreter. “It was actually windier yesterday, so I was a bit more comfortable today.”
Kang said that playing with a friend, Hwang, in the final round, would mean a lot as she chases a follow-up to her maiden win that came at home in 2024. ‘
First-round leader Lee Yun-seo is just two shots back after shooting a 74, tied with former US LPGA campaigner Min Lee of Taiwan, who fired a 71.
Uy was working on a one-under card after 10 holes before dropping shots on the 12th and 16th as she struggled with her iron play in blustery gusts.
