Chihiro Ikeda seeks a strong finish as she tries to formalize her claim on the second Order of Merit crown on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Challenge unfolding Tuesday at the sprawling Pradera Verde golf complex in Lubao, Pampanga.
Ikeda, whose game took a downswing following a wrist injury, has enjoyed a fine campaign this year despite the early surge of Chanelle Avaricio and amateur Rianne Malixi’s imposing presence in select tournaments.
She scored victories at Mt. Malarayat and Eagle Ridge-Aoki while consistently posting Top 5 finishes in seven other events.
With a P756,750 in total earnings, the Filipino-Japanese has all but clinched the coveted overall individual trophy with three-leg winner and second running Avaricio, with P605,000 in winnings, pursuing her bid for an LPGA Tour card in the US.
Harmie Constantino, who marked her LPGT debut with two victories and an OOM title in bubble setup last year, is at distant third with P579,000 followed by Sarah Ababa (P520,875), Pamela Mariano (P463,525), Marvi Monsalve (P440,850), Gretchen Villacencio (P422,200), Lovelyn Guioguio (P391,100), Highlands leg winner Sunshine Baraquiel (P380,650) and Apple Fudolin (P370,700).
Still, Ikeda is keen on closing out the season with a flourish, and so do the rest of the field, ensuring another spirited charge for top honors in the upcoming 54-hole P1.5 million championship.
