Thai ace rules Phl Ladies Open

Thailand’s Tanjira Issaraphon triumphed at the Philippine Ladies Open, closing with a 74 at Manila Golf and Country Club on Thursday to finish at 216 — eight strokes clear of compatriot Ngampan Chantana.

Issaraphon, buoyed by her sizzling second-round 68, maintained composure despite late setbacks: a bogey on the 13th and a double bogey on the 16th for the second time. Her overnight six-shot cushion proved unassailable, sealing a wire-to-wire victory and Thailand’s sweep of the top two spots as Chantana fired a steady 72 for 224.

Precious Zaragosa and Junia Gabasa impressed in a tie for third at 226 — Zaragosa’s strong opening 72 tempered by a late fade, Gabasa consistent at 73-77.

Lisa Sarines rallied to place fifth at 228, recovering from an 80 with a gritty final-round 77.

The leading scores:

216 — Tanjira Issaraphon (Tha) 74-68-74

224 — Ngampan Chantana (Tha) 78-74-72

226 — Precious Zaragosa 72-76-78, Junia Gabasa 76-73-77

228 — Lisa Sarines 71-80-77

229 — Johanna Blair Uyking 78-76-75, Passion Hsu (SIN) 78-76-75, Athena Batican 77-77-79, Tashi Balangauan 73-78-78

230 — Alessandra Luciano 76-75-79

231 — Alanna Tee (HK) 72-77-82

232 — Mona Sarines 79-76-77, Zero Plete 75-76-81

233 — Nicole Gan 77-79-77

235 — Lia Duque 78-80-77, Brittany Tamayo 76-79-80

239 — Cailey Gonzales 81-79-79

241 — Aerin Chan 80-80-81, Juliane Gaerlan 81-79-81.