DAVAO CITY — Mikha Fortuna did everything it takes to make a compelling case for the ICTSI South Pacific Classic here Wednesday.
She battled overnight leader Yvon Bisera hole after hole and watched as the latter eventually blinked to both hold the lead entering the final round Thursday.
“Seeing how Yvon and Sarah (Ababa) play, I think I have a big chance to get the title,” said Fortuna.
“The goal is to win this week but I’m not thinking about it. I just have to stick to my game plan.”
Fortuna carded a 71 for a 36-hole total of 143, tying Bisera whose bogey on the par-5 18th caused her to sign a 72.
Tour winner Ababa signed up a second straight 73 to stay within three shots off the pacesetting duo, setting the stage for a thrilling finale in the meet that dangles P125,000 for the winner.
Fortuna and Bisera are both looking for their first win in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour here at the South Pacific Golf & Leisure Estates.
Bisera remained upbeat of her chances not just because of her familiarity with the course but also due to her big drives that kept on finding their targets.
“I think my edge is on my driving, it’s pretty steady and I’ve been hitting the fairways the past two days,” said Bisera in Filipino.
“I just hope to sustain my long game and for my putting to click. I will just play my game, hit the fairways and greens and avoid three-putts.”
Out to make a run for it from the margin are Korean Seoyun Kim and Apple Fudolin, who carded 73 and 74, respectively. They share fourth place at 148, while Daniella Uy boosted her three-peat aspiration after a 71.
Uy, the back-to-back winner at Forest Hills and at Del Monte, however, is at 149 at sixth, six strokes off the joint leaders.
Pamela Mariano turned in a 74 for a 150, while Luisita and Villamor legs winner Harmie Constantino struggled with a 75 for 151. Amateur Mafy Singson, who dominated the Valley stop, dished out a 74 for joint ninth at 154 with Gretchen Villacencio, who made a 76.
“I like playing at the frontside. For me, back-nine is more difficult because there are holes that are bogey-inducing,” Bisera added.
She bungled birdie chances in the first three holes, including a three-foot putt bid on No. 1.
After a second straight 33 at the front, Bisera tripped with bogeys on Nos. 13 and 14 and failed to hold sway with another miscue on the last hole.
“I think approach shots and putting are the key. I just have to put the ball on good spots and see what happens,” said Fortuna, who is also using this tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and backed by PGTI’s official apparel Kampfortis Golf as part of her buildup for her Japan campaign.
“If ever I win, it would be good, I will be qualifying for Japan next week and it would be a good momentum for me,” Fortuna said.
Fortuna has competed in 11 events in her senior year at Oklahoma University.
