FORMER junior world golf champion Dottie Ardina could make it to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Ardina was given a notification as a reserve candidate for the Olympiad last Thursday.
Philippine chef de mission Joey Romasanta said this after the Rio Olympics sports entries department’s William Souza informed him of new developments.
National Golf Association of the Philippines executive director Carlos Coscolluela, who was in a meeting with Romasanta, was immediately informed of Ardina’s status.
Ardina’s parents have already been notified and were provided the necessary documents organizers are asking for.
The 5’2” Ardina will make it to the official list if any of the two qualifiers will withdraw or fail to confirm their participation.
“It was a pleasant surprise to learn that another golfer could make the list,” said Romasanta.
Filipino golfer Miguel Tabuena is a sure entry with a ranking of 37 in the Olympic rankings.
On the other hand, Angelo Que needs to keep his 53rd spot in the Olympic rankings when the qualification timeline finishes in July.
Ardina has been seeing action in the ladies’ professional gold association developmental competitions.
She had four Top 10 finishes last year, missing the cut in five tourneys this season.
Romasanta said they expect to have 11 Filipino qualifiers by the end of July.
Tabuena and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz join other sure entries, which include sprinter Eric Cray, table tennis player Ian Lariba, taekwondo jin Kirstie Alora, and boxers Roger Ladon and Charly Suarez.
They are also waiting for the confirmation on the status of golfer Que, swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi, Roxanne Yu, Joshua Hall and Jessie Khing Lacuna, as well as boxers Mario Fernandez and Eumir Felix Marcial.