Nocum stuns Constanino in Ladies ICTSI Match Play opener

STA. ROSA, Laguna – Kayla Nocum delivered the upset of the Ladies ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational as she stunned top-seed Harmie Constantino with a commanding 5&4 victory in the opening round of the P1.5-million championship here on Tuesday.

The 16th-seeded Nocum, facing her toughest challenge since turning pro, defied the odds with a clinical performance at the challenging TCC layout, overturning her ranking and making an emphatic statement.

This breakthrough marked a significant milestone for Nocum, whose rise has been steady but understated since earning her professional card. After finishing 20th in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour leg at Caliraya Springs last April and narrowly missing the cut in her debut at the Luisita International, she continued to sharpen her game. Her efforts bore fruit when she posted a tied-for-seventh finish in Iloilo, her best showing as a rookie.

But Nocum’s stunning victory against the 2022 champion wasn’t just a lone highlight — it set the tone for a day brimming with surprises. Second seed Sarah Ababa fell to Pamela Mariano in a 2-up decision; Kristine Fleetwood ousted third-seed Chihiro Ikeda 3&2; and Rev Alcantara edged fourth-seed Gretchen Villacencio in a nail-biting 1-up escape.

These results underscored the unpredictable nature of match play, where rankings and past stroke-play performances can be rendered irrelevant. The head-to-head format emphasizes adaptability and bold shot-making, often allowing underdogs to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes.

Despite the spate of upsets, a few higher seeds managed to hold their ground. Florence Bisera outclassed Velinda Castil 4&2; Marvi Monsalve narrowly beat Chanelle Avaricio 1-up; and Daniella Uy dominated Apple Fudolin, 4&2, in hot, windy conditions.

Defending champion Mikha Fortuna, meanwhile, survived a thrilling duel against rising star Jiwon Lee, securing her spot with a par on the first extra hole.

The quarterfinal lineup promises more drama, with Nocum squaring off against Uy, Fortuna taking on Fleetwood, Bisera facing Alcantara, and Monsalve battling Mariano.

Reflecting on her victory over Constantino, Nocum credited meticulous planning and mental