Avaricio storms ahead, fires solid 68

DAVAO CITY — Chanelle Avaricio turned in a bogey-free four-under 68 to seize a one-stroke lead over a surging Rev Alcantara in the opening round of the ICTSI South Pacific Classic on Tuesday, setting the stage for a potentially explosive second-round battle at the South Pacific Golf Club here.

Avaricio looked in complete control with a steady all-around game, then broke away from a crowded leaderboard with clutch birdies on Nos. 11 and 12. Her flawless round put her in prime position to chase a third Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) victory this season, but Alcantara’s spectacular finish ensured that the race was far from settled.

After keeping pace with Martina Miñoza through the early stages, Avaricio pulled clear with consecutive birdies to move to four-under and establish the early advantage. She carried the momentum of her recent triumph at Summit Point, where she edged Yvon Bisera by one stroke last month, into a campaign that could yet yield an even bigger prize.

The multi-titled campaigner had earlier conquered the demanding Pinewoods leg before competing on the China Tour, which forced her to skip last week’s tournament at Pueblo de Oro. Her commanding start on her return underscored both her readiness and her determination to strengthen her bid for the Order of Merit crown.

Currently fifth in the season-long standings, Avaricio remains within striking distance with two legs left, including this week’s stop. But with the race for the coveted title tightening, she needs a strong finish — potentially a sweep of the remaining tournaments — to mount a serious challenge for the season’s top honor.

Standing in her way is an equally determined Alcantara, who turned a shaky start into a statement round with a blistering back-nine charge. After making the turn at 38, Alcantara caught fire with five birdies over her final nine holes to card a 69, putting herself firmly in contention for what would be a breakthrough moment in her recent campaign.

Pamela Mariano opened with a 70, while Miñoza slipped out of the immediate chase after closing with consecutive bogeys from No. 8 for a 71.

Bisera, who captured her maiden LPGT victory at this very course in 2023, carded four birdies but gave back an equal number of strokes to settle for a 72 alongside Tiffany Lee, who arrived with confidence after beating Bisera by two shots at Pueblo de Oro to end a two-year title drought.

Kayla Nocum also dropped a late stroke to miss a share of fourth, joining Bisera and Lee in the tie at fifth.

Daniella Uy, Gretchen Villacencio and defending champion Sarah Ababa all struggled to opening 73s, but remained within reach of the leaders with two rounds still to play.

With Avaricio setting a demanding early pace and Alcantara finding her rhythm at just the right time, the second-round looms as a pivotal test. One solid round could give the leaders breathing room, but a few missed chances or a sudden scoring surge could quickly turn the leaderboard upside down — setting up a tense final-round shootout.

For Avaricio, the key to maintaining her advantage is simple: keep trusting the game that delivered her a bogey-free opener.