Bisera, Villacencio rule ICTSI Match Play

STA. ROSA, Laguna, Philippines – Florence Bisera mirrored Arnold Villacencio’s success in the men’s division of the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational as they added some personal touch on their victories yesterday.

While Villacencio drew strength from his daughter’s unwavering faith, Bisera leaned on the presence of her father and caddie Reynaldo.

“Nakatulong ng malaki si Papa kasi nako-control niya ang emotions ko,” said Bisera, after edging out Mikha Fortuna’s bid for a back-to-back championship with a hard-fought 2&1 victory worth P280,000. Fortuna took home P200,000.

Villacencio was on the verge of withdrawing due to exhaustion but found strength in her daughter Gretchen as the 55-year-old veteran outclassed Albin Engino, 4&3, for the men’s title also worth P280,000.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa anak ko. Kasi sa semis, gusto ko ng umayaw sa pagod, pero sabi nya ‘lumaban ka, tapusin mo ang laban,” said Villacencio, who ended a decade-long title drought.