Malixi blows bid on last-hole mishap

RIANNE Malixi dispatched Americans Kiara Romero and Julia Misemer with a big frontside charge but fumbled at the finish for a 69 and lost by two to a late-charging Kaitlyn Schroeder in the Girls Junior PGA Championship at Cog Hill's Ravines course in Illinois on Friday (Saturday in Manila).

Malixi wrested control halfway through the final round but wavered at the back, recovered to tie on No. 16 but yielded the crown to Schroeder, who pounced on a clutch two-shot swing on the 72nd hole on a closing birdie that spiked a brilliant 66 in a flight ahead of the championship group.