Bisera rules Pradera; Go 18 holes away from crown

LUBAO, Pampanga, Philippines — Determined to erase the sting of a disappointing finish in Baguio, Yvon Bisera delivered, overpowering the field with a seven-shot victory over Chihiro Ikeda in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship at the Arayat course here yesterday

Unlike her victory at Lakewood last March, where she survived a nerve-wracking three-way playoff, Bisera left nothing to chance here. The ace Davaoeña closed with a 71 for a 54-hole total of 209 and pocketed the top purse of P101,250.

Ikeda carded a 72 to secure runner-up honors with a 216, overtaking erstwhile challenger Harmie Constantino, who struggled to recover after a front-nine 40 and limped home with a 76-217.

Meanwhile, Lloyd Go weathered everything Pradera Verde could throw at him – relentless wind, bursts of rain and shifting momentum – to emerge with the slimmest of leads and set up what promises to be one of the most gripping championship finishes on the Philippine Golf Tour.

Go pieced together a superb 67 highlighted by another brilliant back-nine charge, taking the lead at eight-under 208.

Clyde Mondilla matched Go’s five-under card to move into solo second at 209, while veteran Randy Garalde and Rupert Zaragosa fired identical 68s to tie Tony Lascuña, who settled for a 71, at 210. Halfway leader Keanu Jahns stayed well within striking distance at 211.