ICTSI Mimosa Plus Championship: Constantino fires 66 to share lead with Fortuna

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE – Harmie Constantino put up a 66 round so startling it turned what had appeared to be a one player’s show to an anybody’s race as she tied Mikha Fortuna in the lead after 36 holes of the ICTSI Mimosa Plus Championship here Wednesday.

A big birdie-binge linking both nines of Mimosa Plus’ Acacia course led to a pair of 33s and lifted Constantino from six shots down at joint fourth to a share of the lead at seven-under 137 as Fortuna found the going a lot tougher after a flawless opening 65 and finished with a 72.

But Daniella Uy posted a second straight 69 on a strong finish to stalk the joint leaders at 138 and Korean Min Yeong Kim came through with a solid 68 to seize solo fourth at 139.

Sarah Ababa rallied with 68 to move to fifth at 140 while South Pacific Classic leg winner Florence Bisera likewise recalled her fierce form and matched Constantino’s six-under card she fashioned out in bogey-free fashion to tie Korean Seoyun Kim, who carded a 71, at 141.

Korean amateur Jiwon Lee, priming up for next Tuesday’s ICTSI Junior PGT national finals, put in a second straight 71 for 142 while Apple Fudolin and Chihiro Ikeda pooled 145 and 146 after 69 and 73, respectively.

But the chase for the top P120,000 purse in the 54-hole championship put up by ICTSI could be reduced to the top four players with Constantino, Fortuna and Uy gearing up for what promises to be a day-long battle of power, iron play, putting and nerves.

“The pin placements were difficult in the first two days, so it will be much harder tomorrow,” said Constantino, seeking to emerge the only three-leg winner in this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour after scoring back-to-back victories at Luisita and Villamor Philippine Masters.

“But I’m