Ryan on the rise after Portugal challenge
Chloe Ryan. Picture by Pat Cashman
She might have fallen back over the last two rounds but Castletroy's Chloe Ryan will still make a positive move in the world rankings following her share of 15th spot in the 85th Portuguese International Ladies Amateur Championship at Montado Golf Hotel.
The Munster star was leading at halfway following rounds of 74 and 68. But while she followed up with rounds of 76 and 79 to end up eight strokes behind the winner on nine over par, she is certain to move up from her current ranking of 374th when the World Amateur Golf Rankings are updated next week.
Germany's Olivia Cowan closed with a one over par 73 to edge out Spain's Nuria Iturrios (72) and compatriot Amina Wolf (73) by a stroke on one over par 289.
Ryan got off to a horror start in the final round, dropping eight shots in her first seven holes. But she steadied the ship brilliantly and fought back, playing the next 11 holes in one under par to share 15th on 297.
