Pauline del Rosario closed out her round with a clutch 14-footer for birdie on No. 18 while Princess Superal stumbled with a bogey on the same hole, setting up a showdown between two stalwarts of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour for the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship crown in Cavinti, Laguna on Wednesday.
Del Rosario's strong finish, coupled with Superal's shaky windup, revived their long-standing rivalry from their junior golf days as they matched 142s to seize a three-stroke lead over Harmie Constantino, who compiled a 145 after a 73, in the P1 million, 54-hole championship.
However, the challenging Caliraya Springs Golf Club promises no safe leads, with former champion Chanelle Avaricio, who carded a second 73, and last year’s Match Play winner Mikha Fortuna, charging back with a 71, tied for fourth at 146.
Apo leg winner Sarah Ababa bounced back from a 75 with a 73 to join Mafy Singson, who faltered with a 75, at 148, while reigning Order of Merit winner Daniella Uy birdied two of the last five holes to salvage a 71 and move to solo eighth place at 149.
Despite trading birdies and bogeys across the back nine, del Rosario's determination shone through, especially motivated by the presence of her father, Bong, who watched her play for the first time since the pandemic began.
Pauline wants to make father proud
"Managing around the greens is my concern. But my goal and mindset are to make my dad proud," said the defending champion, gearing up for the Epson Tour this month.
Superal, who shared the first-day honors with Pamela Mariano, took solo control with a two-under card after 10 holes but negated her bogeys on Nos. 12 and 15 with back-to-back birdies from No. 16 to post a two-shot lead over del Rosario. However, she failed to get up-and-down on the last hole and settled for a second straight 71.
Acknowledging her short game as a crucial factor in her performance, Superal highlighted the importance of precision with her iron shots to challenge del Rosario's bid for a second consecutive title.
Superal counts on short game
"My short game had worked for me in the first two days. But tomorrow, I need to improve on my iron game and be able to place the ball in the right spots," said Superal, who is also set to resume her campaign in the Japan Step Up Tour later this month.
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