Lipa city: Taiwanese Min Lee is among the favorites in the USD200,000 ICTSI Philippine Ladies Masters, which unfolds on Wednesday at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas. Known for her composure and shot-making, Lee anchors a powerful Taiwanese lineup that also includes No. 4 Chih-Min Chen, No. 5 Ching Huang, a former Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Midlands winner, and No. 7 Han-Hsuan Yu. They are all eyeing the USD30,000 champion's purse in the 54-hole tournament, the opening leg of the Taiwan LPGA Tour.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lee expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "The course looks great and I really like the layout. It's quite windy here, and the type of grass is something we don't see very often, so it takes a bit of time to adjust the shots and calculations." Playing in the country for the first time, she aims to make a strong impression. "I'm very excited about this week's tournament," said Lee, who sits at No. 2 in the Taiwan LPGA Order of Merit and is a former LPGA Tour campaigner.
Thailand has a strong team led by Nook Sukapan, who missed last year's title by a single stroke to Korea's Kim Kayoung. "The course is challenging, especially the greens, and it really tests your focus. I enjoyed playing Summit Point, and I feel I'm ready this time," said Sukapan after a practice round. Also in the formidable Thai roster are Kan Bunnabodee, Chonlada Chayanun, Pakin Kawinpakorn, Supamas Sangchan, Sherman Santiwiwattahanaphong, Ornnicha Konsunthea, and Pimnipa Panthong. Sukapan acknowledged the hosts' advantage but welcomed the challenge, saying, "The LPGT players are very talented and competitive. Playing with them motivates me to keep improving my game."
Spearheading the Philippine campaign is Epson Tour campaigner Pauline del Rosario, joint fourth in last year's event. "Competing at home gives me extra motivation and pride. The support from the fans inspires me to stay focused and play with confidence while representing the country the best way I can," Del Rosario said. Princess Superal, meanwhile, begins her season with quiet confidence and bigger ambitions. "This week has been about steady preparation and staying focused on the basics. I feel calm and positive, but I also understand how strong the competition is. My focus is on my process and learning from this tournament," said Superal, who won the inaugural Asia Pacific Cup in Jakarta in 2022, where she topped a field that included former major champions So Yeon Ryu and Lydia Ko.
Other contenders are Florence Bisera, coming off a joint sixth finish at last week's Indonesia Open, China LPGA Tour-bound Chanelle Avaricio, Mafy Singson, Daniella Uy, and Epson Tour regulars Sam Bruce, Tomi Arejola, Sarah Ababa, Harmie Constantino, Marvi Monsalve, and Martina Mi±oza.
