Bianca fires 65, revives Q-Series bid

Bianca Pagdanganan made a huge move in her bid to reach the final qualifying stage, firing a seven-under-par 65 to climb into contention in the LPGA Q-Series Qualifying Stage at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida, on Thursday.

The two-time Olympian carded two eagles and four birdies against an opening bogey at the Bobcat course, surging to a share of 25th place at two-under 214.

Dottie Ardina also stayed on course for qualification, shooting a 71 to move to even-par 216 and remain inside the projected cut line.

The 198-player field is competing for 55 spots and ties in the Final Qualifying Stage in Mobile, Alabama.

China’s Wenbo Liu took a one-shot lead at 12-under 204 after posting a four-under 68. LPGA Tour member Juniper Jang matched her 68 to move into solo second at 11-under, while second-round leader Camille Boyd slipped to third at 10-under after a 71.

Mexico’s Maria Fassi produced the day’s best round among the leaders, firing a 66 highlighted by a hole-out eagle to climb to fourth at eight-under 208.

It was a difficult outing for the other Filipinas, with Tomi Arejola carding a 79 to stand at seven-over, while Abby Arevalo also shot 79 and remained at 18-over, leaving both with considerable ground to recover.

With the qualifying cut approaching, Pagdanganan and Ardina will look to sustain their momentum and secure places in the final stage.