Bernardino seizes lead in JPGT Negros golf tilt opener

BACOLOD – Tiffany Bernardino clinched the upper hand in a tightly contested four-way battle at the challenging Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club course here, scraping through with an 86 to secure a one-stroke lead over Alexie Gabi at the start of the ICTSI JPGT Visayas Series 3 Monday.

Starting at the backside of the tricky par-70 layout, Bernardino narrowly edged out Gabi, 44-45, and endured a shaky finish at the front to match Gabi’s closing 42, netting her a slight cushion in one of the most competitive age categories of the four-division series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Bernardino, who bested Gabi and Rane Chiu by a single stroke in last week’s Bacolod leg of the three-stage regional series in Murcia, now leads the race for the top two spots for the national finals. But Gabi, who topped the first leg in Iloilo, stood just a stroke behind with 87, while Chiu and Louise Jalandoni posted 91 and 99, respectively.

The upcoming rounds of the 54-hole tournament are critical for the trio in their quest for the two coveted spots in the Match Play finals for the Visayas series.

Bernardino reflected on the challenges, stating, “The Marapara course was tough with very wet grass, which made it difficult to hit the ball properly.” She emphasized the importance of her chipping, saying, “Tomorrow (Tuesday) is crucial. I need to hit my target.”

Conversely, Gabi downplayed the significance of the next round, stating, “It’s not crucial because I’m just a stroke behind. I can bounce back.” She added, “Today (Monday) was tough with double pars due to poor chipping. Tomorrow’s plan is to stay focused and improve my short game.”

Chiu, who is five strokes behind, stressed the importance of the second round to her campaign, saying, “I need to work on my confidence and course management.”

Jalandoni remained in contention, finishing the backside with a 44, while Chiu posted a 47. However, Jalandoni faltered in the last nine holes, ending with a 53 for a 99, while Chiu fought back with a 44 for a 91.

In the boys' 13-15 division, Bacolod leg winner Nyito Tiongco took the lead with an even frontside 35, capitalizing on Gabriel Handog’s double bogeys in the last