Sterner finishes the job in Ladies Asia circuit

JAKARTA (JP): Pernilla Sterner of Sweden won the Kosaido Ladies Asia Golf Circuit in the play-off yesterday at the Pondok Cabe golf course and country club, Tangerang.

Sterner, who celebrated her 29th birthday on Feb. 12, won against Wendy Dicks of England in the two-hole play-off. Both scored one-under-par 215 (72-67-76) in the three-day US$100,000 tournament.

Although suffering from an ear problem since earlier this week, Sterner took the lead from the tee-off.

It was her second victory in the circuit after winning the Philippines Open in Manila early last month where she pocketed $35,110. Yesterday's Pondok Cabe win brought her a further $15,000.

Unseeded Dicks, who finished second, carded a surprising 32 points in the first nine but collected a poor 37 in the back nine. Dicks produced one-under par 215 (72-74-69).

Dicks, 27, was disqualified at the same event last year in Surabaya after forgetting to sign her scorecard.

Initially seven points behind, Dicks gained on Sterner, whose performance had already begun to weaken, birdie-by-birdie, taking the lead after a birdie at the 17th.

However she failed to maintain her form and made a bogey in the last hole to equal their scores.

Laree Pearl Sugg of the United States finished third with an even par 216 (75-72-69).

All 70 golfers from 19 countries praised the tournament organizers, saying the course compared favorably with those of other international tournaments. (yan)

Results: 215 - Pernilla Sterner (Swe) 72-67-76; Wendy Dicks (Gbr) 72-74-69, 216 - Laree Pearl Sugg (USA) 75-72-69, 217 - Sofie Eriksson (Swe) 74-73-70; Debbie Dowling (Gbr) 72-74- 71; Jean Bartholomew (USA) 73-72-72; Lara Tadiotto (Bel) 72-72-73, 218 - Nicola Mault (Gbr) 72-74-72; Stephani Comstock (USA) 73-73- 72; Diane Irvin (USA); Shelly Rule (USA); Asa Gottmo (Swe); Lim Siew-ai (Mal)