SAN DIEGO — Rianne Malixi of the Philippines made a gallant catch-up job in the final round, firing a 69 to salvage tied-for-fourth finish Thursday in the IMG World Junior Championships at Torrey Pines.
After a 73-70 in the first 36 holes, Malixi made a dramatic run with birdies in Holes No. 5, 8, 9 and 13, to give honor to the Philippine team which fielded a complete lineup in the meet.
She finished with 212 just two strokes off the champion, Japan’s Nanami Nakashima who whipped up a 70 to snag the title.
Sophie Han of China turned in a 68 on the last day to finish at joint second with Arianne Lau of Hong Kong with a 73 third-round effort, a stroke behind.
Malixi, easily the country’s most promising young golfer, was locked with Ema Narita of Japan and Wu Chun-wei of Taiwan.
Vito Sarines finished tied for 14th in boys 9-10, while fellow Filipinos Race Phoenix Manhit and Jared Daban wound up 28th and tied for 33rd, respectively.
Aerin Chan was 32nd in girls 9-10, while Francesca Gaisano-Gan placed joint 38th in girls 11-12.
Mona Sarines placed 42nd in girls 11-12, while her twin Lisa Sarines was 51st in a tie with teammate Precious Elizabeth Zaragosa.
