Kongkraphan edges Chen, wins ICTSI Luisita Ladies International by 3
TARLAC – In a tense battle amid stifling conditions, PK Kongkraphan continued her dominance on foreign soil by capturing the ICTSI Luisita Ladies International 2024 championship despite a 74, adding another remarkable achievement to her storied career.
However, the victory didn’t come easily as Hsuan Chen posed a formidable challenge throughout the $100,000 championship co-sanctioned by the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, turning the final nine holes into a virtual match play and a gripping test of nerves.
However, it was Kongkraphan’s unwavering determination that proved decisive in the stretch. Capitalizing on Chen’s costly bogeys on Nos. 15, 16 and 17, the former seized the opportunity to regain control of the match, securing the hard-fought, three-stroke victory with a brave run of pars.
Kongkraphan’s triumph, fashioned out on a five-under 211 total and worth $18,000, exemplifies her ability to rise to the occasion and navigate challenging circumstances with grace and skill. In a tournament marked by intense competition and punishing conditions, her strategic prowess ultimately earned her a 24th professional title in a career spanning 15 years that likewise saw her triumph on various tours, including the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and the Epson Tour.
Kongkraphan, who campaigned for seven years on the LPGA Tour, also accumulated several championships on the Thai LPGA, leading to Order of Merit titles the last three years.
She expressed immense satisfaction and relief after securing her first win in the season, underscoring the hard work she had invested while noting that her efforts had finally paid off.
“I’ve been working hard for this (win) and it paid off. It was a tough day, I tried to be aggressive but the conditions were tough. It was very stressful but I’m very proud of myself,” said Kongkraphan, who also noted the tough pin positions and the wind that picked up from the start.
Kongkraphan’s triumph also required immense patience and resilience, particularly as Chen remained a constant threat. Despite facing adversity with a one-birdie, two-bogey over nine holes to fall behind, the reigning Asian Games individual gold medalist
