Ababa on cusp of crown

BACOLOD, Philippines — Sarah Ababa took a step closer to ending a tedious pursuit of a second career win on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour as she padded her overnight four-stroke lead to six over Pamela Mariano despite a four-over 74 at the Marapara course here yesterday.

Her chief rivals likewise struggled in another wind-blown day in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Golf Classic, enabling the Davaoeña shotmaker to drive a wedge between her and her pursuers for a clear shot at the top P105,000 purse in the 54-hole championship.

Mariano assumed the challenger’s role despite a birdie-less 74 for a 149 as Daniella Uy faded with a double bogey-bogey finish for a 77 and a 150.