STA. ROSA, Laguna — Thrust into the solo spotlight, Pauline del Rosario embraced the challenge with steely resolve but faltered at the finish, dropping two shots over the last three holes to settle for a 71.

The costly slip saw her slide to a share of sixth place, three strokes behind new leader Kim Ahyeon after 36 holes of the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters 2025 on Thursday.

As the Philippine contingent struggled on moving day, Del Rosario seized the opportunity with a fearless performance, proving her mettle in a field teeming with international talent. Her aggressive play, particularly in the first 12 holes, which she played in three-under, showcased the tenacity and experience that could propel her to a breakthrough win in this $200,000 event, the Korean Dream Tour’s inaugural foray into the Philippines.

However, TCC’s notoriously demanding closing stretch proved unforgiving. A wayward drive on the par-4 16th resulted in a bogey, and a costly three-putt on the final hole further dampened her charge.

“I felt pretty bad bogeying the last hole,” said Del Rosario, frustrated by her struggles on the unpredictable greens. “I guess it was my putting and feel for the speed of the greens.”

Despite the late stumble, Del Rosario remains a strong contender at 140. Her earlier surge, highlighted by birdies on Nos. 10 and 12, demonstrated the caliber of play needed to contend against an elite international field.

While Del Rosario briefly threatened for a share of the lead, Kim surged ahead with a blistering front-nine 31. The Korean standout capitalized on her hot start, firing birdies on Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8 and 9. She held firm on the challenging back nine, protecting her lead with a composed string of pars to finish at seven-under overall (137).

Thai Parinda Phokan birdied the par-4 17th to cap a 70, securing solo second at 138. Meanwhile, Kim Yeosoon (68), Wang Li-Ning (69), and Han Nakyoung (70) all posted matching 139s, setting the stage for an intense and unpredictable battle in the $200,000 tournament, co-sanctioned by the Korean LPGA, the LPGA of Taiwan, and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

“I just tried to put my ball in the fairway and make more birdies,” said Kim, who came into the tournament following a 36th-place finish in last month’s Indonesian Open.

Kim acknowledged the difficulty of the back nine, where swirling winds and firm greens tested her precision.

“I struggled with my long game a bit, but the key point was my short game,” said the 31-year-old Kim. “The back nine was hard for me, so I’ll try to rest well and focus on pin placements and putting tomorrow.”

Despite Kim’s advantage, the final 18 holes remain unpredictable, with TCC’s treacherous layout capable of shifting momentum in an instant.

Del Rosario, a former TLPGA champion, will need to summon her best game to mount a comeback, while the tightly packed leaderboard suggests a thrilling finale.

The ICTSI-backed Del Rosario earlier turned what seemed like an uphill battle into a legitimate title chase. Despite a steady frontside 35 that left her three strokes behind, she capitalized on her chances after the turn, carding crucial birdies on Nos. 10 and 12.

And if there’s one certainty heading into the final round — it’s that no lead is safe at TCC.

With an unforgiving TCC layout that punishes the slightest miscalculation, the closing round is bound to be a rollercoaster.

For del Rosario, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the last Filipina standing in realistic contention, she carries the hopes of the home crowd. A victory here would solidify her status as a rising force in the international scene. Having already demonstrated her ability to rise to the occasion before her late meltdown, she will need an even sharper all-around performance to outlast the stacked leaderboard.

Joining del Rosario at sixth are Pattharat Rattanawan and erstwhile leader Seong Eunjeong, who turned in 72 and 73, respectively, while the likes of Kim Kayoung (68), Kim Reean (69), Pakin Kawinpakorn (71) and Nook Sukapan (73) are poised to mount their own rallies.