Davao City’s Florence Bisera drained a clutch four-foot birdie putt to outlast Lois Kaye Go in a gripping three-way, four-hole playoff to capture the ICTSI Lakewood Championship crown Thursday in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
Earlier, Sarah Ababa ignited the drama in regulation with a fearless assault on the water-guarded 18th, going for the green in two and converting a stunning birdie for a 68. Go shot a 69, while Bisera faltered late with a 72. The trio finished deadlocked at 210, setting the stage for a sudden-death showdown.
All three birdied the par-4 10th in the opening playoff hole. But on their return, Ababa made a costly bogey, leaving Bisera and Go locked in a duel. Matching pars again, they pressed on to a third trip down the same hole.
Back again on No. 10, from 120 yards, Bisera unleashed a near-flawless wedge – crisp, controlled and fearless – watching the ball land softly and roll to within four feet of the cup.
Go, who had earlier kept her hopes alive with a clutch long birdie conversion, left her approach about 24 feet to the right of the pin. Her birdie attempt slid past the hole and she settled for par.
Bisera stood over her putt with quiet resolve. One smooth stroke later, the ball dropped. She thrust her fist into the air.
“I’m so happy because I won the first tournament in LPGT. It’s a big confidence boost as I focus on my upcoming campaign in China,” said Bisera in news release.
Bisera entered the final round with a three-shot lead over Go but struggled with her putting, settling for a 72 in regulation.
“In the playoffs, my putting got better. I was thinking a lot about regulation – what if I don’t win this?” added Bisera, who pocketed P146,400 for her sixth career victory, including a breakthrough in Thailand last year.
Go received P98,400, while Ababa settled PHP78,000.
Tiffany Lee slipped to joint fourth at 216 alongside Harmie Constantino and Martina Miñoza, who carded 71 and 72, respectively. Chanelle Avaricio matched the tournament-best 68 to finish seventh at 218, while Daniella Uy placed eighth at 219 after a 73. (PNA)
