Southwoods leads over Pradera Verde

Five-time champion Manila Southwoods drew balanced scoring from three players to take a five-shot lead over defending titlist Pradera Verde at the start of the 13th Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub golf team championships at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf Club in Davao City yesterday.

Smarting from its 43-point defeat last year in Cebu City, the Carmona-based squad assembled a young, talented team which did not disappoint.

Sofia Chabon, the team's most decorated member, shot even par 72 for 54 points and got solid support from Eagle Ace Superal and Mafy Singson who each scored 51 as Southwoods collected 156 points.

Asian Games champion Yuka Saso made five birdies against two bogeys for 57 points to lead the defending champions, but the rest of her teammates struggled. Malaysian Charlyne Chongshinling and 11-year-old Rianne Malixi had 47 points apiece.

Annika Guangko of Southwoods and Korean Luna Sheen of Pradera failed to count following identical 46s.

“We had a very, very good first day,” said Claire Ong, Southwood's non-playing captain. “Our plan was to just really stay close and not let something like last year to happen. Being in the lead is a very good thing.”

After its wire-to-wire win last year, Pradera suddenly finds itself in a big fight with Southwoods./