Avaricio, Uy forge final round shootout in ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge

MURCIA, Negros Occidental – Chanelle Avaricio wielded a scorching putter to fire a brilliant seven-under 63, catching an equally in-form Daniella Uy at the top of the leaderboard and setting up a thrilling showdown for the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge crown here on Wednesday.

Avaricio, a multi-titled Ladies Philippine Golf Tour campaigner, made her presence felt early, carding four birdies in the opening holes at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club. She carried that momentum into the back nine, adding three more birdies to produce a flawless 31-32 round, putting herself firmly in contention for the P117,000 champion’s purse in the P1-million tournament presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.

Returning to local competition after a series of international stints, Avaricio showcased her well-rounded game. Despite a modest fifth-place finish at last week’s Iloilo Golf Challenge, she entered the Bacolod event without lofty expectations.

After an uneven first-round performance of one-over 71, Avaricio found her rhythm in the second round, excelling in all facets of her game, particularly her putting, to assemble a 134 aggregate heading to the final 18 holes.

“I had no expectations,” said Avaricio after her impressive round. “I just focused on putting myself in good positions and trusted my putting throughout.”

Her precise driving and excellent approach shots opened up numerous birdie opportunities, which she capitalized on with confidence.

“My greens in regulation were solid, but it was my putting that really clicked,” added Avaricio. “I made a lot of long putts for birdies, and that gave me a lot of momentum.”

However, her quest for another championship is far from easy, as Uy delivered her own flawless performance, firing a 65 highlighted by an eagle on the par-4 No. 7.

Facing a tricky decision between a 50- or 54-degree wedge for her 104-yard approach on the 368-yard hole, Uy opted for a controlled shot, and the result was spectacular. The ball landed near the hole and rolled in for an eagle, boosting her scorecard.

The former Junior World champion added birdies on Nos. 11, 15 and 17 to finish with a 33-32 round, tying Avaricio at six-under total.

“My ball