BUKIDNON – Chanelle Avaricio held on to a precarious one-shot lead despite a grinding even-par 72, as Daniella Uy and Sarah Ababa closed in with gutsy rounds to set up a thrilling three-way battle heading into the final round of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here Wednesday.
Avaricio, who lit up the course with a flawless 67 on Tuesday, struggled with her approach shots in Round 2, limiting her birdie chances and forcing her to lean on a sharp short game to salvage crucial pars.
“My driving was good but I struggled with my second shots. I also had difficulties with my putting,” said Avaricio, after stringing together 18 pars in a gritty round that kept her on top at 139.
Despite the challenges, the Forest Hills champion remains focused on staying present.
“I’ll just be in the moment, hoping for a great day tomorrow,” she said, emphasizing the mental aspect of competing under pressure.
Uy, taking a break from the Taiwan tour, opted for a conservative approach on the tight, tree-lined layout, carding a 71 highlighted by two birdies and a lone bogey. Her steady play placed her just a stroke back at 140, setting up a compelling duel with Avaricio.
Unlike the top two, Ababa went on the offensive, firing four birdies against two bogeys for a 70, pulling within two shots at 141 and putting herself firmly in the title hunt in the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Fueled by a desire to bounce back from a tough playoff loss to Princess Superal at Caliraya Springs last August, the Davaoeña is also drawing strength from a special partnership.
Behind the leading trio, Kristine Fleetwood joined the chase with a 70 to move to 142, just three shots back. Meanwhile, Mafy Singson posted the day’s best round – a 69 – to vault into a three-way tie at 143 with Harmie Constantino (72) and local hopeful Velinda Castil (73).
Martina Miñoza, another homegrown talent, settled for a second straight 72 for a 144, while Florence Bisera – winner of two titles last month – continued to struggle, carding a 73 for a 146, leaving her seven shots behind Avaricio.
With just four shots separating the top seven players and the Del Monte course playing unpredictable, the event is poised for a thrilling finale – one where poise, precision and putting under pressure could ultimately decide the winner.
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