Kim Seoyun birdied the final hole to catch Chanelle Avaricio on Wednesday to set up a thrilling final-round showdown in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Apo Golf Classic in Davao.
Kim fired a 71 to gain a share of the lead at 142, as Avaricio carded a 72 after a costly three-putt on the par-5 18th.
Avaricio appeared poised to seize control after stringing together three birdies in a four-hole stretch from No. 14 to regain the lead. But Kim answered with a clutch birdie on the closing hole, sinking a 12-foot putt to force the tie.
Kim hit 15 greens in regulation but rued missed birdie opportunities that could have given her the outright lead.
‘My approach shots worked pretty well today. I hit 15 greens and had a lot of birdie chances, but I struggled with my putting. The putts just weren’t dropping, so it was kind of sayang,’ she said.
Looking ahead to the final round, Kim plans to embrace the occasion rather than dwell on the pressure.
‘I would enjoy my game and try to embrace the moment,’ she said.
Avaricio, meanwhile, remained upbeat despite her closing miscue as she pursues a possible fourth title of the season.
‘I three-putted the last hole, but okay lang. The rest of my putting really clicked because I missed a lot of greens. I think, overall, I only hit 10 greens today,’ said Avaricio, who had four birdies and four bogeys.
She also praised Kim’s performance and stressed the importance of staying focused.
‘Kim is a really good player. Actually, she played really well today. Yung putting niya wasn’t dropping lang. I’ll just try to have fun, you know, focus on myself, and wish her the best,’ she said.
Avaricio believes patience and composure will be crucial in the title battle.
‘I think it will boil down to patience and, you know, how well you handle the pressure. Honestly, I’ll just do my best tomorrow, and hopefully, I’ll make more birdies and fewer mistakes,’ she added.
Princess Superal stayed within striking distance after rallying to a 71 and a 144 total, tying erstwhile co-leader Harmie Constantino, who slipped with a 74. They trail the leaders by two strokes.
Daniella Uy carded a 72 for 146, followed by Yvon Bisera at 147 after a 73 and Sarah Ababa at 148 with a 72.