Asia’s top golfers clash in Luisita
TARLAC – The ICTSI Luisita Ladies International 2024 blasts off Tuesday, April 23, with a promise of an electrifying showdown among stars from the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA), Thailand LPGA, and the local LPGA at the Luisita Golf and Country Club here.
Strategic decision-making will play a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of the $100,000 championship, set against the backdrop of the demanding 6,362-yard Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed course renowned for its risk-and-reward layout.
For PK Kongkraphan, this tournament marks a chance to fulfill an unfinished business aer falling short in last year’s Anvaya Cove Ladies International, also a TLPGA-LADIES Philippine Golf Tour co-sanctioned event in Morong, Bataan.
Meanwhile, Princess Superal is determined to bounce back from a final round slip at Caliraya Springs, eager to witness the fruits of her labor in refining her driving technique even as she aims to elevate her performance in time for the resumption of her campaign on the Japan Step battle for pride in their 2 p.m. collision, with the Solar Spikers eyeing to hike their 1-8 tally and the Chameleons seeking to improve their 3-6 record.
The stalwarts of coach Dante Alinsunurin are also eager to finish the preliminaries on a high note and regain their composure aer bowing to sister team Creamline last week that put them on a four-way tie at the helm with an 8-2 mark.
Still reeling from that said defeat, skipper Sisi Rondina said they are not taking this match any lightly.
“Nakita namin dun sa laro namin against Creamline na marami pa talaga kaming kailangang iimprove,” said Rondina. Up Tour.
Ahead of this event, sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., Superal’s preparations have been nothing short of rigorous.
The former US Girls’ Junior titlist hopes to capitalize on her local knowledge of the layout as she faces a tough first round draw, pitting skills with Yu-ju Chen of Taiwan and Thai Chonlada Chayanun at 8 a.m. on No. 1.
“We’re more familiar with Luisita, so we’ll see how it goes,” said Superal, whose last triumph dates back to 2022 in the Asia Pacific Cup in Indonesia where she triumphed over several major champions on the LPGA Tour. “Nonetheless, we'll give it our best shot.”
Armed with a stellar record, including victories in the Hangzhou Asian Games last year and 23 professional titles to her name, the 32-yearold Kongkraphan enters the competition with confidence.