By Adrian Flores

CARMONA, Cavite?Without the big foreign golfers, a showdown among the country?s top amateurs looms in the ICTSI Philippine Ladies? Amateur Open Championship at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club starting today.

Defending champion Chihiro Ikeda and challenger Dottie Ardina could be leading an exciting head-to-head matchup at the Legends? course. Though both have almost the same built and power, their difference of style of approaching the game could prove pivotal in the 54-hole tournament organized by the Women?s Golf Association of the Philippines.

Ikeda could start the year with another triumph the way she did in 2008.  She packs an even meaner power off the tees, but golf isn?t all about strength.  Her aggressiveness in attacking the greens sometimes creates problems for the Filipina-Japanese member of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. team. 

?I?ll try my best to keep my crown. I know everybody?s going to focus on me,? Ikeda said.

Ardina, who is now on her sixth year in the Open, is a good bet to dethrone Ikeda.  She?s also great from tees to greens.  And her meticulous and calculated approach?a stark contrast from ICTSI teammate Ikeda?s?might be the factor she needs to nail her first Open title.

?An Open success would somehow complete my amateur career,? said Ardina.

But it?s not only Ikeda or Ardina who could be the champion this week. 

A quick glance at the roster, Louise Manalo and Sarah Ababa, also of ICTSI, would join in the mix, Beverly Mendoza of Philippine Navy has been playing well as of late, and Southwoods? local bet Sunshine Baraquiel.  Del Monte?s Eva Mi?oza, a sister of the RP?s no. 1 golfer Frankie Mi?oza, could spring a surprise.

In the foreign side, WGAP tournament director Claudine Garcia mentioned the names Diane Luk, an 18-year-old Malaysian Ladies? Golf Association member, and Made Dita Widyanatri of Indonesia as darkhorses in the event based on their handicap indices.

Luke, who began playing in 2002 and has a zero handicap, actually played last year also held at the Legends and placed 29th on rounds of 82-76-82.

?The way things are going, I believe that another Filipina will be crowned on Friday,? Garcia said to Standard Today.

ICTSI, Philippine Sports Commission, Pagcor and Nike lead the list of major sponsors. Inquirer Golf, EEI, De Capricho Jewellers, RCBC, Baileys, Chemical Applicators, Bingo Bonanza, Bug Busters, Rapide, Pancake House, Zenorex Marketing and Callaway are supporting backers.