RP duo wins women’s golf tilt in New Zealand

Chihiro Ikeda and teammate Lovelyn Guioguio combined for a winning six-under-par 140 for Team Philippines in the 2010 New Zealand Foursomes Championship at the Napier Golf Course in Napier, New Zealand.

The foursomes tournament is an alternate shot competition as Ikeda played on the even number holes in the first 18, while Guioguio teed off on the even number holes in the second 18. The RP duo, with five birdies as against two bogeys, was tied with Team New Zealand in the first 18 holes. They were again locked up at six-under in 36 holes. However, the Filipinas’ birdie on the last hole broke the tie that allowed Team RP to escape with the victory. The Kiwis, starring Caroline Bon and Emily Perry, finished runner-up. Eri Joma and Risa Iwachica of Japan were third with 145 (74-71). “Both played very well today, the course was hilly and very tight because of the narrow fairways that were tree-lined," said national team coach Bong Lopez. On Wednesday, Ikeda and Guioguio will compete in the 72-hole NZ Women’s Stroke Play Championship also in Napier. – Adrian Flores, GMANews.TV