Avaricio makes big jump – from heartbreak to glory

MANILA, Philippines —  Just days after watching a sure victory slip painfully through her fingers, Chanelle Avaricio rose from heartbreak to glory in emphatic fashion.

Avaricio transformed disappointment into dominance at the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic in Davao, claiming the crown with a commanding seven-stroke victory over Mafy Singson despite a 73 yesterday.

Coming off a crushing defeat at Del Monte, where she faltered down the stretch and lost to Sarah Ababa in sudden death, Avaricio made a giant leap here, completing a wire-to-wire win.

“It feels great,” said Avaricio,. “Last week, I really fought but came up short. But I’m happy that I did well enough to win this one.”

Avaricio finished with a three-under 213 and pocketed the top purse of P117,000.

With an opening-round 72 giving her a narrow one-shot edge over Singson, Avaricio shifted into high gear in Round 2. Her clinical 68 widened the gap to eight strokes over Princess Superal, setting the stage for what would become a coronation rather than a contest.

In men’s play, Fidel Concepcion moved within striking distance of a long-awaited breakthrough.

In searing heat, Concepcion produced the day’s lone under-par card – a gritty 71 – to seize the solo lead at four-under 212, three shots clear of veteran Elmer Salvador.