Filipina aces slug it out vs Koreans in Asia Pacific Cup opener

MANILA, Philippines – Princess Superal and Dottie Ardina underscored the importance of consistency as they launch their individual and team campaigns in separate flights at the start of the Simone Asia Pacific Cup Thursday, December 21, at the Pondok Indah Golf Course in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“Kailangan very consistent sa course na to,” said Superal after Wednesday’s pro-am tournament ushering in the $750,000 championship which she ruled (individual) for her first international pro victory last year.

“Kailangan talaga fairways and greens palagi. Importante din and putting,” added the 26-year-old shotmaker, also the first Philippine-born player to win a USGA (US Golf Association)-event – the US Girls’ Junior Open — in 2014.

Superal, who fell short of sweeping the inaugurals after settling for runner-up with Pauline del Rosario to Koreans So Yeon Ryu and Bo Mee Lee in team play, forms a dynamic partnership with Bianca Pagdanganan, who recently reclaimed her LPGA Tour card, thus adding to the Philippines’ potential for success.

The ICTSI-backed aces tangle with Koreans Dayeon Lee and Soyoung Lee in the 8 a.m. flight on No. 1 of the par-72 layout.

Ardina, on the other hand, teams up with Daniella Uy as they collide with Shiane Ahn and Kyujung Baek, also from Korea, in the 7:15 a.m. group, also on the first hole.

“I think the key would be to play consistent. Put myself into right position out there.. Hit lots of fairways and greens and make putts,” said Ardina, who campaigns both in the Epson and LPGA Tours. “The green condition is a little rough, so hopefully I get lucky to make putts.”

“I’m well prepared for this week and so as my partner Daniella. We’ll do our best individually and as a team,” added Ardina.

Despite the absence of major champions, the Filipina bets expect a heightened level of competition with world No. 9 Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka adding a touch of star power to the 56-player roster.

Superal scripted a narrative of triumph, outshining luminaries like New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, Korean Hyo Joo Kim and Hinako Shibuno of Japan, to claim the crown worth $100,000, winning by three over former US Women’s Open champion Ryu.

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