Winds derail RP ladies' bid for Espiritu Santo crown

The Philippines could not overcome the Buenos Aires Golf Club's windy conditions as it assembled a seven-over-par 151 to slip to ninth in the third round of the Women’s World Amateur Team Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bothered by the strong winds all day, Filipina-Japanese Chihiro Ikeda managed a hard-earned three-over 75 while US-based teammate Mia Piccio scored a four-over 76 to give RP a three-day haul of 430. Dottie Ardina had an off-day with a 77. The Filipinas are tied with Mexico (149-430) at ninth but are 23 adrift from South Korea, which has virtually pocketed the coveted Espirito Santo Trophy with a scintillating output of 10-under 134 for a 25-under aggregate of 407. USA struggled with a 146 but stayed at second with 420 while Germany also kept its place at third with a 146-423. South Africa shot a 143 to move up to fourth with a 424. Host Argentina (144), Spain (138) and France (141) are tied for fifth at 425. RP team coach Bong Lopez said his wards failed to sustain their strong start. "Dottie and Chihiro struggled with their iron game and Mia continued to struggle on the greens, missing at least three makeable birdie putts," said Lopez. Lopez remains hopeful of a big finish by his wards, especially Ikeda, who recovered from a three-over 39 with a string of three birdies from the 0th, only to yield them back with three straight bogeys from the 15th. The 16-year-old Ardina, whose flawless 65 also at the BAGC lifted the squad to solo fourth at midpoint, lost her touch after a birdie on No. 3, fumbling with four bogeys and a double-bogey for that 77 under the tough playing conditions. - Adrian Flores/JVP/KY, GMANews.TV