Philippine Sports News and Updates

Jennifer Rosales of the Philippines got off to a fast start but tumbled down in the final nine for a one-over-par 71 in the opening round of the Michelob ULTRA Open.

Rosales trails Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) No. 1 player Lorena Ochoa of Mexico by seven shots at the Kingsmill Resort and Spa River Course in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Rosales was hot with four birdies against only two bogeys at the front side for a 34 at the turn. Consecutive bogeys on Nos. 10 and 11 proved fatal for the five-time Philippine Ladies Amateur Open titlist as she made another two with a lone birdie on the 15th for a 38 in the back.

“I have to make the cut first and then charge in the last two rounds," Rosales said.

By contrast, top-ranked Ochoa turned in an impressive eight-birdie, one-bogey performance on a day that started cool and rainy but ended warm and muggy. The 27-year-old Mexican star was one stroke short of the record score of 63, as she submitted a seven-under-par 64 (32-32).

Minea Blomqvist and Lindsey Wright were tied for second with 65 each while Sarah Lee and Hee Won-han were locked in for fourth with 66 apiece.

• GMANews.TV
• Philippine Sports Central