(UPDATE) BIANCA Pagdanganan is one proud Filipino golfer after putting up a gallant stand at the Paris Olympics women's individual stroke where she finished joint fourth late Saturday night, August 10 (Manila time).
It's the highest finish for any Philippine golfer in Olympic history.
"It means a lot, I'm able to represent the Philippines on such a big stage, competing with the best players in the world, I don't know how else to put it," said Pagdanganan.
"I really wanted it, I want our names up there. I want them to know that we're great athletes."
Ranked 125th in the world, Pagdanganan certainly played far better than her ranking as she carded 6-under 282.
Pagdanganan, 26, saved her best for the last round where she fired seven birdies against four bogeys for a 4-under 68 which put her in contention for a playoff for bronze.
Only Chinese Lin Xiyu Janet birdied the 18th hole to go 3-under 69 in the round and 7-under 281 overall, eventually completing the podium as the third placer.
Lydia Ko of New Zealand shot 1-under 71 in the fourth and went 10-under 278 overall to finish first and claim the gold medal.
Esther Henseleit of Germany snared the silver medal with a strong 6-under 66 fourth round and 8-under 280 overall.
"It was still a tough day, I made a couple of errors, it stings but knowing that I was able to give my 100 percent, give my everything, it's all that I can do," said Pagdanganan.
"I really felt proud of how I performed in such extreme pressure, knowing that I could handle myself in those situations should be a great motivation. I've sacrificed so much for this career, and there's no other way to put it. I wanted it so bad and I really did my best."
Pagdanganan, who finished 43rd in Tokyo three years ago, said she feels blessed and grateful to have the game of her life in front of her family.
"It's been such a great Olympic experience. I wasn't able to have this in Tokyo but being able to share this moment with my family means so much and I feel very blessed and grateful that I have them as my support system. Whatever happens at the end of the day, they're always gonna be there for me."
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