Annyka Chanel Pineda Cayabyab fired a 69 to snatch third place in the recently concluded Esprit Hong Kong Ladies Open Amateur Championship.
Cayabyab’s feat was posted on the Facebook account of Normandy Sto. Domingo, Annyka’s coach.
Annyka, daughter of sportsman Archen Cayabyab and Lubao, Pampanga Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, was among four Philippine contingents to rough it out with about 167 of the best amateur golfers of Hongkong, Chinese Taipei and Malaysia. She was with fellow Filipinas Francesca Bernice Olivares-Ilas, Sofia Chabon and Mikhaela Fortuna.
A four-time Veritas world junior titlist, Annyka made a steep climb from earlier rounds of 74 and 72 to finish at 215 at Hong Kong Golf Club’s New Course in Fanling.
Chinese Taipei’s Hou Yu-sang dominated the last 18 holes with a solid eight-under 64 on Friday for a six-under 210 total and a three-stroke victory over Lin Jie-en, who shot a 69 for a 213 second place finish.
“Thank you so much po for all your prayers and wishes for Annyka. We are so happy and still can’t believe that at 13 years old she was able to perform at this level. Grabe ang pressure and tension. (I) just want to say that I am honored to be the coach of this young promising golfer,” Sto. Domingo said in his post of the golf phenom from OB Montessori Center in Greenhills, San Juan City.
“Would like to congratulate Bernice and Sophia for also playing well. Para sa Pilipinas (This is for the Philippines)!” Sto. Domingo said.
