DAVAO CITY — Just a week after falling short in her title defense, Sarah Ababa is back on familiar ground — and this time, she’s in control.

The Davaoeña shot a one-under 71 on Wednesday to overtake Chanelle Avaricio and Florence Bisera in the penultimate round of the ICTSI South Pacific Golf Classic, moving 18 holes away from another Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) title — just three kilometers from where she last stumbled.

With her opening 69, Ababa sits at four-under 140, one shot clear in the P1-million event. Still, she rued her putting mistakes on the back nine.

“Sayang, I had two three-putt bogeys,” she said, referring to holes 14 and 16.

Ababa was nearly flawless early on, firing three birdies in a bogey-free run through 13 holes. But a pair of late lapses on the greens kept her from widening the gap.

Even so, her steady play was enough to seize the lead — and momentum — after a few rollercoaster weeks. She’s coming off a playoff win over Avaricio at Del Monte two weeks ago but struggled at Apo Golf, finishing 10th in her title defense.

Avaricio, fresh from her Apo triumph, couldn’t maintain her hot start. She carded a 73, slipping to a tie for second at 141 with Bisera, who rebounded from a bogey on the first with four birdies in nine holes before dropping a stroke on No. 15 for a 70.

Also in the mix is Tiffany Lee, who fired a tournament-best 67 with five straight birdies from No. 7, joining Princess Superal and Daniella Uy at 142. Superal posted a 73, while Uy shot a 69 despite missing several short birdie chances.

Marvi Monsalve (71) sits at 145, followed by Harmie Constantino (72), Mafy Singson (73), and Chihiro Ikeda (75).

Ababa said she plans to keep things simple in the final round.

“Same strategy — hit fairways and greens,” she said. “I just hope my putting’s better tomorrow. The greens are tricky to read.”

Helping her stay composed is her father, Edgar, who’s back on her bag.

“I’m always calmer when he’s my caddie,” Ababa said. “We’ve already won three tournaments together.”

For Avaricio, the day was a test of patience and rhythm.

“My second shots were a bit off. I was hitting greens but leaving long putts,” she said, noting how the wet course played heavier.

Still, she’s confident she can mount a comeback.

“I’ll just focus on my game and on every shot,” Avaricio added.

With only five shots separating the top seven players — and soggy fairways promising tougher conditions — fans can expect another wild finish, much like the drama at Del Monte two weeks ago.