Following a surprise victory at the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge, Sarah Ababa heads into her next Ladies Philippine Golf Tour mission in Bacolod with new-found confidence and momentum.
The seasoned Davaoeña is looking to capitalize on her recent success as she chases a back-to-back win and her third title of the season in the ICTSI Bacolod Challenge, which unfolds Tuesday (Oct. 15) at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Murcia.
The par-70 Binitin course, known for its tight fairways, tricky roughs and unpredictable greens, mirrors the conditions Ababa just conquered in Iloilo. These familiar challenges provide her with a solid boost as she sets her sights on matching Harmie Constantino’s standout performance in the earlier legs of the 10-stage LPGT series, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.
Constantino, after a strong start with three victories at Palos Verdes, Caliraya Springs and the Philippine Masters, has recently struggled to maintain her form, finishing lower in the rankings in the last few events.
Ababa, on the other hand, is eager to keep her momentum rolling in Bacolod, which will also host the final leg in Negros Occidental on Oct. 22-24.
But Ababa, who topped the LPGT’s kickoff leg at Apo last March, isn’t the only one to watch. Chihiro Ikeda, Mafy Singson, Mikha Fortuna, Chanelle Avaricio, Daniella Uy and Gretchen Villacencio are all in the mix, alongside Princess Superal.
Jiwon Lee, who had an impressive professional debut with a win at Splendido Taal, will also be looking for redemption after two underwhelming performances at Forest Hills and Iloilo.
Still, all eyes will be on Ababa, who carries the confidence of her recent win.
Reflecting on her Iloilo performance, she admitted that her early rounds were marred by struggles with her putting.
“I didn’t expect to win because I was struggling with my putting in the first two days,” said Ababa in Filipino. “But my ball striking remained consistent.”
The presence of her father and caddie, former Tour winner Edgar Ababa, played a key role in her success.
“I think I was just lucky because my father caddied for me in both of my wins,” she said, adding that their partnership will continue in Bacolod. “He told me to relax because I was putting too much pressure on myself. He said I had what it takes to win.”
With her confidence renewed and a support system in place, Ababa is poised for another stellar performance in Bacolod as she eyes another victory to cap off her LPGT season.
Gialon aims for back-to-back titles
Zanieboy Gialon, fueled by a dominant performance at the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge, sets his sights on becoming the first player to secure two victories in the Philippine Golf Tour 2024 season.
His triumph in Iloilo, marked by a stunning 13-under total of 267 at the former Santa Barbara Golf Course, netted him a six-stroke romp over Ira Alido and Angelo Que in a victory that snapped a two-year title drought and showcased Gialon’s mastery of challenging course conditions.
Gialon’s “conquer the course” mentality, where he focuses on outwitting the course rather than his fellow players, will be tested again as he heads to the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Binitin, Murcia for the P2.5 million ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp. beginning Tuesday (Oct. 15).
The par-70 layout features narrow fairways and tricky greens similar to those in Iloilo, reinforcing his belief that if he conquers the course, victory is within reach.
“Actually, hindi naman mga players ang kalaban ko kundi ang course. Kapag na-conquer mo yung course, malaki ang chances mo na manalo,” he said.
While Gialon enters the Bacolod leg with a wave of confidence, the competition is poised to intensify. The likes of Alido, Que, the reigning Philippine Masters champion, and other title contenders, including previous leg champions Jhonnel Ababa (Apo), Clyde Mondilla (Caliraya Springs) and Tony Lascuña (Splendido Taal), are motivated to deny Gialon a back-to-back win.
Each player is eager to make a final statement as the season draws to a close, with the 10th and last leg of the season – the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic – set to fire off on Oct. 22.
Gialon’s form and mindset make him a top contender, but seasoned players such as Fidel Concepcion, Guido van der Valk, Reymon Jaraula and Mondilla will also be looking to capitalize on their previous experiences and challenge Gialon’s supremacy.
Many of these players had promising runs in Iloilo but were ultimately outpaced by Gialon’s commanding performance, particularly from the second round onwards.
As the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit reaches its final stretch, Gialon’s ability to replicate his success will depend on his course management and sustained composure against a determined field of challengers.
