Avaricio faces serious challenge

DAVAO CITY — Chanelle Avaricio may be riding a wave of momentum and confidence, but things are expected to get rough and competitive when the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) shifts to the demanding South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estate starting Tuesday here.

While Avaricio’s dominant form makes her the player to beat, several contenders are eager to spoil her bid for a back-to-back title in the ICTSI South Pacific Classic, particularly local aces Florence Bisera and Mafy Singson, who are both looking to turn familiarity with the course into an advantage.

Among those hoping to regain form this week is Bisera, who is out to shake off a recent slump and rediscover the winning touch that earned her back-to-back victories earlier this season in Negros Occidental and Thailand.

The Davaoeña entered the three-leg Mindanao swing brimming with confidence but has since struggled to find consistency. At Del Monte, she opened with a 73 and couldn’t recover, posting 73-74 in the succeeding rounds to finish 10th in the 54-hole event. Her showing at Apo Golf was slightly better — carding rounds of 78-71-74 — good enough for a share of fourth with Daniella Uy, but still below her winning standards.