TAIWAN – Chanelle Avaricio took up the cudgels for the embattled Ladies Philippine Golf Tour delegation, delivering a gritty one-under-par 71 in Thursday’s second round of the Party Golfers Ladies Open at the wind-whipped Lily Golf and Country Club in Hsinchu.
Her steady recovery stood out on a day when most of her compatriots continued to be buffeted – literally and figuratively – by the tournament’s cold, blustery conditions for the second straight day.
After an unsteady 76 Wednesday, Avaricio showed remarkable composure and adaptability on the hillside layout.
Her 36-hole haul of 147 was good enough to vault her from a share of 37th all the way to joint 17th, though still seven shots adrift of new leader Wenny Chang, who surged ahead behind a scorching 31 on the front nine en route to a 69 and a 140 total.
Avaricio credited her improved short game for her resurgence, particularly around the greens, where she repeatedly salvaged pars and maintained rhythm despite the elements.
Still hopeful of crafting a strong, respectable finish in the final round of the 54-hole event co-sanctioned by the Taiwan LPGA and LPGT, Avaricio pointed to the need for steadier driving and sharper iron play.
While Avaricio climbed, early contenders Florence Bisera and LK Go were unable to withstand the demanding conditions. Bisera limped to a birdie-less 77, sliding from a share of eighth to joint 30th at 149, where she joined fellow LPGT mainstays Princess Superal and Daniella Uy – who also struggled with 74 and 75, respectively.
Go, meanwhile, endured the toughest fall of the day. An error-filled 80 sent her tumbling 37 spots down the leaderboard into a tie for 45th at 152, the gusting winds repeatedly punishing miscues off the tee and into the greens. She barely made the cut.
Among other Filipinas, Mafy Singson carded a 74 and climbed to a share of 36th at 151 to advance, but Marvi Monsalve missed the cut by one despite rebounding with a 73 for a 153.
At the top, local bet Chang grabbed the lead, banking on her early four-birdie burst that provided enough cushion to offset a shaky 38 at the finish. Her 69 for a 140 aggregate nudged her ahead of Ching Huang, whose 70 placed her one stroke back at 141.
