Avaricio clings to slim lead as Uy, Ababa charge

Chanelle Avaricio held on — barely — to a fragile one-shot lead after a grinding even-par 72, as Daniella Uy and Sarah Ababa made big moves to set up a fiery finish in the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here in Bukidnon.

Avaricio, who looked unstoppable with a flawless 67 on Tuesday, couldn’t quite summon the same spark in Round 2. Her approach shots went awry, birdie looks were rare, and she had to scramble hard just to save par — all 18 times.

“My driving was good, but I struggled with my second shots,” she admitted. “Even my putting gave me a hard time.”

Still, that kind of round — gritty, patient, unshaken — was enough to keep her ahead at 139, one clear of Uy.

“I’ll just be in the moment and hope for a great day tomorrow,” Avaricio said, calm but realistic about the fine line between brilliance and frustration. “Hopefully, the putts will drop.”

She knows well that in a place like Del Monte, every bounce, every roll can swing momentum in seconds. “I’m not sure of my chances,” she added with a quiet smile, “but I’ll do my best.”

Taking a break from the Taiwan tour, defending champion Daniella Uy went conservative — threading the narrow fairways, keeping big mistakes off her card, and signing a steady 71. Her patience paid off as she pulled within one shot of the lead at 140.

Unlike the top two, Sarah Ababa went on attack mode — firing four birdies against two bogeys for a two-under 70 that pulled her to within two strokes at 141.

Her father, Edgar Ababa, a former tour pro, watched proudly as his daughter climbed the leaderboard.

Right behind the leading trio, Kristine Fleetwood stayed in striking range with a 70 for 142, while Mafy Singson carded the day’s best round — a fiery 69 — to join Harmie Constantino (72) and local bet Velinda Castil (73) at 143.

Homegrown star Martina Miñoza posted another steady 72 for 144, while two-time champion Florence Bisera slipped with a 73 for 146, now seven shots adrift.

With just four strokes separating the top seven and the unpredictable Del Monte layout keeping everyone honest, the stage is set for a dramatic finale — one that will test poise, precision, and nerves under pressure.