A deep 27-player field, easily one of the biggest casts in recent years on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, gears up for a fierce battle for supremacy as the ICTSI South Pacific Championship gets going Tuesday, October 20, with momentum, home-course familiarity, and a hunger for redemption fueling a compelling mix of contenders.
Tiffany Lee rides the confidence of a long-awaited victory, local ace Yvon Bisera banks on her familiarity with the South Pacific layout, while Chanelle Avaricio seeks to reclaim the spotlight and strengthen her bid for the season’s honors in the P1.25-million championship.
Lee’s victory, which ended a two-year title drought, meant far more than another trophy. It was a reward for the quiet persistence that carried her through a difficult stretch and restored her belief in her game.
‘That win means a lot. It’s a great reward for all the days that I’ve silently and continuously fought for,’ said Lee, who secured a hard-fought two-shot victory over Bisera at Pueblo de Oro last week.
Beyond the personal breakthrough, Lee also credited the camaraderie among LPGT players for helping her navigate the demands of professional golf. Though they compete fiercely for the same titles, she said the tour’s welcoming atmosphere has made the journey more rewarding.
‘The LPGT members made me feel like family and accepted me as I am on this tour. They helped me a lot, and they make it feel like home. So, even though we’re enemies on the course, outside they’re very friendly and they make the course feel like a happy place,’ she said.
The friendly atmosphere, however, will give way to fierce competition once the championship gets underway.
Bisera will be eager to capitalize on her home-course advantage and avenge her narrow loss at Pueblo de Oro. Avaricio, coming off a stint on the China Tour, is out to break away from Bisera in the season’s win race by adding a third victory to her tally, while Sarah Ababa, Princess Superal, Mafy Singson and the rest of the title-hungry field are determined to press their bids from the opening tee shot.
‘Knowing the course is a big advantage for any player. Familiarity with the layout and greens will also help a lot. I really want to win this time after losing by just one stroke last year, but I’ll trust God’s plan and do my best,’ said Bisera, who narrowly missed out on the title to Ababa the last time out.
Meanwhile, Avaricio is keeping her expectations in check, opting to focus on her game and maintain a steady approach as she looks to contend for another title.
‘No expectations for the week. I’ve used the time to reset, take it one shot at a time and do my best,’ said Avaricio, who stressed the importance of patience, consistency and trusting her game as she seeks to put herself in a strong position to contend for the title.
‘I’m grateful for my two wins this season, and I’ll just focus on my game and give my best. Hopefully, I can get another chance to win,’ added Avaricio, who triumphed at Pinewoods and Summit Point before competing in the China Tour.
But the three headline acts face a formidable challenge from a talent-laden field determined to make its own mark in the 54-hole tournament.
Harmie Constantino hopes to recapture the form that powered her dominant triumph at Caliraya Springs, while reigning Order of Merit champion Ababa remains eager to nail another victory as the season winds down. Proven winners Superal, Singson, Daniella Uy and Chihiro Ikeda, meanwhile, are primed to mount their own title bids.
The depth of the field underscores the challenge awaiting the favorites. Martina Miñoza, Pamela Mariano, Apple Fudolin, Velinda Castil, Marvi Monsalve, Monica Mandario, Kayla Nocum, Gretchen Villacencio, Rev Alcantara, Korean Eunhua Han, Angela Mangana, Samantha Beltran and Eva Miñoza are likewise out to contend for their maiden victories, adding further intrigue to what shapes up as an open and fiercely contested title chase.
Five amateurs, including standout campaigners from the Junior PGT, will also test their mettle against the professionals. Ace Superal, Brittany Tamayo, Rafella Batican, Isabella Tabanas and Johanna Uykiing complete the 27-player cast, each hoping to spring a surprise in the season-ending stretch.
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