Kota Kinabalu [SABAH]: Harmie Nicole Constantino looked on course to re-claim the 100Plus Malaysian Junior Open title for the Philippines as she extended her lead at the Sabah Golf & Country Club on Friday.
The diminutive 14-year-old Manila native battled to an even-par 72 to open up a six-shot advantage over compatriot Samantha Martirez (75) with a one-under 143 overall.
Constantino will look to emulate the Filipino trio of Princess Mary Superal (2012), Dottie Ardina (2011) and Sarah Ababa (2010), who dominated the championship before Thailand’s Budsabakorn Sukapan emerged triumphant last year.
Thailand’s Suthavee Chanachai (78) and Chinese Taipei’s Chang Yi Chia (81) were a further four shots back in tied third while another Filipina Sofia Chabon carded a 77 to claim sole possession of fifth on 155. Sabah’s Tham Yoot Suet (77) was the best placed Malaysian on 157.
Meanwhile, in the boys’ contest, overnight leader Park Sang Ho preserved his six-stroke cushion over second-placed Eekarat Lesuwan after both returned with identical 74s.
The South Korean bounced back from a nervous opening nine with two quick-fire birdies just after the turn to stay clear at the top of the leaderboard on three-under 141.
Singapore’ Ryan Wong was placed third on 148 with Johorean Daeng Abdul Rahman Abd Aziz (75) and Leon Philip D’ Souza of Hong Kong a further two strokes back in tied fourth.
Leading second round scores (Malaysian unless stated):
Boys’
141 – Park Sang Ho (KOR) 67-74
147 – Eekarat Lesuwan (THA) 73-74
148 – Ryan Wong Wey Ren (SIN) 73-75
150 – Daeng Abdul Rahman Abd Aziz 75-75, Leon Philip D’Souza (HKG) 74-76
151 – Solomon Emilio Rosidin 78-73
153 – Galven Kendall Green 73-80
154 – Jeryl Tan Foo Yew (SIN) 78-76, Alvin Hiew 75-79
155 – Mohd Daniel Faidz Jazmi 77-78
156 – Louis Tee (SIN) 80-76, Bryan Teoh Wiyang 77-79
157 – Lucius Toh 81-76 (SIN), Amir Nazrin Jailani 75-82
160 – Tommy Tan (SIN) 81-79
162 – Suzairi Iqmah Rahim 81-81, Ankur Malik (ENG) 80-82
164 – See Wellym 81-83
166 – Zulhelmi Ramle 89-77, Victor Ng Yu Kai 79-87
Girls’
143 – Harmie Constantino (PHI) 71-72
149 – Samantha Martirez (PHI) 74-75
153 – Suthavee Chanachai (THA) 75-78, Chang Yi Chia (TPE) 72-81
155 – Sofia Chabon (PHI) 78-77
157 – Tham Soot Yuet 80-77
158 – Raeysha Surendran 75-83
159 – Sarah Tan (SIN) 80-79, Lee Kai Wing (HKG) 75-84
160 – Natasha Andrea Oon 84-76
161 – Siti Zulaikhaa Shaari 85-76, Abegail Arevalo (PHI) 81-80, Winnie Ng Yu Xuan 80-81, Chong Yong 80-81
162 – Ashley Lau Jen Wen 88-74, Mikhaela Fortuna (PHI) 81-81, Kelie Kan Kah Yan 81-81
164 – Geraldine Wong 82-82
165 – Ginnie Ho 82-83
166 – Kimberly Nelson 87-79
