Order restored: Uy, Fortuna lead advance in

Order restored: Uy, Fortuna lead advance in | Daily Tribune

STA. ROSA, Laguna — After an upset-filled opening round, the Ladies The Country Club Match Play Invitational returned to form on Wednesday, with four higher-seeded players asserting their dominance to secure spots in the semifinals at the TCC course.

Daniella Uy, showcasing a blend of precision and power, followed up her Round of 16 win over Apple Fudolin with a commanding 7&6 victory over Kayla Nocum. Uy’s performance set up an exciting semifinal clash with Florence Bisera.

The fifth-seeded Bisera, the highest-ranked player remaining after the shocking eliminations of the top four seeds — including Harmie Constantino, Sarah Ababa, Chihiro Ikeda and Gretchen Villacencio — earned her place in the semifinals with a solid 4&3 victory over Rev Alcantara. Bisera’s sharp play and tactical approach have positioned her as a serious contender for the title.

On the other side of the draw, defending champion Mikha Fortuna once again showed her resilience as she moved two wins away from retaining the title she claimed in dominant fashion over Laurea Duque last year.

After a nail-biting victory over Jiwon Lee on the 19th hole in the first round, Fortuna edged Kristine Fleetwood with a narrow 1-up win. However, her bid for back-to-back titles will face a stern test as she takes on the determined Marvi Monsalve, who dispatched Pamela Mariano 3&2 with steady play.

Uy, the 2023 LPGT Order of Merit champion, overwhelmed Nocum with a strong start and sharp putting. She fired three straight birdies from No. 7 and posted a two-under score through 12 holes, leaving her opponent little room for recovery.

“I’m more confident with my driving, and my approach shots and putting have improved,” said Uy, who has gained momentum following her recent Taiwan campaign.

While she acknowledges the high expectations after her emphatic win over Nocum, Uy remains focused. “I just need to work on my putting and not expect too much.”

But Bisera is equally determined, aiming for a second career victory after her breakthrough win at home in South Pacific last year. Their matchup promises a captivating battle of power, precision and strategy.

With Fortuna’s experience, Monsalve’s hunger for a title, Uy’s precision, and Bisera’s tactical strength, the semifinal matchups are set to deliver high drama as the P1.5 million event, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., heads into its crucial final stage.