PARIS (Via PLDT Home) — Bianca Pagdanganan overcame a shaky start to card an even-par 72 and secure a share of 13th place in the opening round of the women’s golf competition at the Paris Olympics.
The Filipina golfer found her rhythm and touch on the back nine, highlighted by birdies on holes 12 and 15, and a clutch birdie on the par-5 18th.
Meanwhile, home favorite Celine Boutier dominated the course with a blistering six-under 66, seizing a three-stroke lead.
The Frenchwoman’s impressive performance, marked by a bogey-free round, showcased her mastery of Le Golf National and ignited hopes for a historic Olympic gold medal for the host nation.
Other notable performances included South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai in second place with a 68, and a tie for third among Gaby Lopez of Mexico, Swiss Morgane Metraux, and Colombia’s Mariajo Uribe, who all shot 69s.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda struggled early but recovered to finish with a 72, while fellow American Rose Zhang and Thai star Atthaya Thitikul also joined Pagdanganan in a tie for 13th.
Dottie Ardina, the other Filipina golfer in the competition, faced a challenging day, carding a four-over 76 to share 40th place.
Former Philippine representative Yuka Saso, now playing for Japan, struggled as well, finishing with a 77.
As the competition unfolds, Pagdanganan will look to build on her solid finish and challenge for a podium spot.
Boutier, however, remains the strong favorite to claim the gold medal.
