DAVAO City, Philippines — Mikha Fortuna battled Yvon Bisera in a furious frontside duel then saved a 71 as they ended tied after 36 holes of the ICTSI South Pacific Classic here yesterday.
Fortuna equalled Bisera’s 143 aggregate as the latter holed out with a bogey on the long par-5 18th to end up with a 72.
That set the stage for a final 18-hole shootout for the top P125,000 purse between two players in hot pursuit of a maiden Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. Former winner Sarah Ababa lay three shots back at 146 after a second 73 at the South Pacific Golf & Leisure Estates.
“Seeing how Yvon and Sarah play, I think I have a big chance to get the title,” said Fortuna.
Korean Seoyun Kim and Apple Fudolin, who carded 73 and 74, respectively, shared fourth place at 148 while Daniella Uy’s bid for a third straight championship gained a slight boost after a 71.
The back-to-back winner at Forest Hills and at Del Monte, however, stayed too far behind at 149 at sixth, six strokes off the joint leaders.
Pamela Mariano turned in a 74 for a 150 while Luisita and Villamor legs winner Harmie Constantino hardly improved from a 76 with a 75 for 151. Amateur Mafy Singson, who dominated the Valley stop, carded a 74 for joint ninth at 154.