PK Kongkraphan asserted her supremacy on foreign turf by winning the ICTSI Luisita Ladies International 2024 title in Tarlac, even amid a challenging round of 74. This victory marks yet another notable milestone in her illustrious career.
However, the path to victory was fraught with difficulty as Hsuan Chen presented a formidable challenge throughout the fiercely contested $100,000 championship.
The final nine holes transformed into a gripping match-play scenario as both players vied for supremacy on a challenging course in a tournament co-sanctioned by the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.
Nonetheless, it was Kongkraphan's resolute resolve that emerged as the deciding factor in the crucial moments. Exploiting Chen's pivotal bogeys on 15, 16, and 17, Kongkraphan seized the opportunity to reclaim command of the match. Her courageous streak of pars ultimately paved the way for a hard-earned, three-stroke triumph.
Kongkraphan finished 54 holes on a five-under 211. Her 24th pro title earned her the top purse of $18,000.
The Thai is a 15-year veteran who played in the LPGA Tour for seven years.
She also accumulated several championships on the Thai LPGA, leading to Order of Merit titles in the last three years.
“I’ve been working hard for this (win) and it paid off. It was a tough day, I tried to be aggressive but the conditions were tough. It was very stressful but I’m very proud of myself,” said Kongkraphan.
Chen briefly seized the lead with a frontside 35 before wavering in the backside to settle for a closing 76.
Harmie rallies on final day
Harmie Constantino fired the day’s best 69, and Chih-Yun Wu matched par 72 for the second straight time, to finish tied for second at 214. Each received $8,233.
Florence Bisera pulled to within three with two birdies in the first five holes but failed to sustain her charge, reeling back with three bogeys in the last 11 holes and ending up with a 73 for solo fifth at 215 worth $4,000.
Sarah Ababa shot a 71 to tie Dussavi Soopimjit and Pear Pooratangaopa, who carded 73 and 74, respectively, at sixth with 217s, while Kanyawawt Poomklay came through with a 70 for joint ninth at 218 with Eri Ashizawa (72), Kultida Pramphun (73) and Wad Phaewchimplee (76).
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