Cyna Marie Rodriguez of the Philippines received an early birthday present in the form of the Hong Kong Ladies' Open Amateur Championship title after overcoming her compatriot and defending champion Jayvie Agojo in a sudden-death play-off at Discovery Bay Golf Club last month.
Rodriguez, who turned 21 the day after the championship ended, made a par at the first extra hole after Agojo found trouble to notch her maiden win of the season. The pair had finished regulation play locked on two-under- par. Sarah Jane Ababa, also of the Philippines, claimed third spot, one shot behind.
"It feels great to win in Hong Kong," declared Rodriguez. "It's a shame that one of us had to lose – especially in a play-off – so I feel quite lucky, but it was a great day and a nice way to celebrate my birthday."
The Hong Kong challenge was spearheaded by Michelle Cheung and Tiffany Chan – and both found themselves very much in the title hunt after some strong play on the front nine. Chan, 18, raced to the turn in three-under but fell back with two back-nine bogies to finish two shots off the pace, while South Island School student Cheung, 17, who started the round just one off the lead, was also left to rue two late bogies to place alongside Chan in a share of fourth. Isabella Leung, who carded a fine 69 in the second round, had to settle for a tie for ninth spot after a lacklustre 80 in the final round.
No local player has won the championship since Sarah Henderson claimed the title in 2002, but National Coach Brad Schadewitz was full of praise of his young charges.
"This year's field was one of the strongest in the tournament's history, so for Tiffany and Michelle to have had a shot at winning was pleasing to see; it shows that Hong Kong players can compete with the region's best," said Schadewitz. "It was a great experience for Michelle in particular. Playing in the final group, she handled herself very well. She'll have learned a lot."
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