Ikeda targets Asia gold, LPGA

[Rusty]

CHIHIRO IKEDA



With a vastly improved game and a large dose of confidence, Chihiro Ikeda believes she is now ready for the big one – the LPGA – although she still dreams of delivering another gold medal for the country in next year’s Asian Games.

“It’s an indescribable feeling, winning a gold medal for your country.
It gives you a different kind of high,” said Ikeda, relishing her gold medal romp in the just-concluded SEA Games in Laos where she also powered the RP squad to the team championship. The SEAG feat capped the 18-year-old Ikeda’s banner season that also saw her annex seven other individual titles here and abroad, including the Hong Kong Amateur Open and the Indonesian Amateur Open, where she also steered the Philippines to the team crown.

“I believe she’s ready for the LPGA,” said national team coach Bong Lopez, also the man at the helm of the ICTSI golf program where Ikeda and teammates Dottie Ardina, Mia Piccio, Sarah Ababa, and reigning RP Ladies Open champion Louise Manalo.

“But what excites her is the chance to lead the country in next year’s Asian Games and perhaps get a crack at the gold,” said Lopez. “I know she can be at par with the best players in the region, especially against the Koreans.”

With a keen eye for talent, Lopez spotted the chubby Ikeda during the WGAP (Women’s Golf Association of the Phils.) tournament in hometown Davao in 2006 and was impressed of her swing and power. He invited her to join the ICTSI team, promising her with nothing but a no-nonsense training and a chance to be a great player someday.

“It’s tough to train under coach Bong but it’s worth it,” said Ikeda. “Imagine, getting up at 6 a.m. everyday for stretching and cardio warm-ups. By 8 a.m., we are on the putting green, play 18 or 27 holes then practice short game then putting again. We also spend one to two hours on the range, hitting balls at varied distances then back to the short game again. By 6-7 p.m, we hit the gym for weight training,” said Ikeda.

[bangkokbobby]

original link: Ikeda ‘ripe’ for LPGA, says J-Ro - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos