Cyna Rodriguez follows through on her tee shot on the third hole in yesterday’s final round of the 48th Philippine Ladies Open at the Manila Southwoods. Rodriguez carded a five-under-par 67 for a 7-stroke victory. (Photo by ALBERT GARCIA)

CARMONA, Cavite — Cyna Rodriguez pounced on the early collapse of two-day leader Chihiro Ikeda to wipe out a three-shot deficit then assembled a five-under-par 67 to complete her stunning comeback as she won the 48th Philippine Ladies Open title by seven shots Friday at the Manila Southwoods Legends course here.

Rodriguez, a former junior world champion, needed just two holes to overtake Ikeda as the SEA Games double gold medalist dropped four shots, including a triple-bogey 7 on No. 2.

A bogey on the opening hole hinted of something bad to happen for the chubby Ikeda.

Ikeda, who started the round three shots ahead on Rodriguez and Irena Gabasa, ballooned to a 78 after a 42 in the frontnine.

Along with her 73 and 70, the 18-year-old psychology student at the University of Southern California finished with a six-under 210 total, seven shots ahead of Lovelyn Guioguio of Del Monte who scored a one-over-par 71.

Rodriguez, who finished third two years ago won by Ikeda, birdied Nos. 4 and 6 before stumbling on the 9th for her lone bogey.

She had four more birdies at the back to win the event pulling away.

“It’s a good feeling to win in this tournament because I’m at home,” said Rodriguez, who will be leaving for the United States on Sunday.

Like Ikeda, Gabasa also grappled with the strong winds and finished with an 84 – a big turnaround after firing a record 65 in the second round.

“Masama lahat. After ng second hole, hindi na ako naka-recover,” said Ikeda, a native of Davao.

Guioguio managed a 71 for a three-day total of 217, a shot ahead over Ikeda.

A member of the ICTSI golf squad, Rodriguez let out a yell as she raised her arms in triumph before a big gallery that ringed the 18th green that included five-time Open champion and two-time LPGA winner Jennifer Rosales.

Anya Tanpinco shot a 75 to finish fifth with a 226.

Gabasa, the 15-year-old find from Cebu, wound up in joint sixth at 227 with Dottie Ardina, who had a 73, Apple Fudolin, who made a 78, and Andie Unson, who turned in a 75.

The event was sponsored by San Miguel Corp. and Nike and backed by HSBC, De Capricho Jewelry, Baileys, Villamor Ladies Chapter, ABS-CBN, Butuan Doctor's Hospital, Nike Park, AB Leisure Exponent, Inc., Finishes First, and Absolute.

THE SCORES
210 — C. Rodriguez 73-70-67
217 — L. Guioguio 72-74-71
218 — C. Ikeda 67-73-78
222 — R. De Guzman 74-75-73
226 — A. Tanpinco 77-74-75
227 — I. Gabasa 78-65-84, D. Ardina 77-77-73, A. Unson 78-74-75, A. Fudolin 73-76-78