GEN. TRIAS, Cavite – Mafy Singson emerged as the new frontrunner despite a wind-blown 74 in the second round of the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Championship at the Faldo Course on Tuesday.
Singson’s steady play helped her outlast a chaotic leaderboard shake-up, setting the stage for a frenetic final round in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) event.
With a 10-over 154 total, she moved a shot ahead of Chihiro Ikeda and two clear of Marvi Monsalve, putting herself in prime position for a second LPGT victory after her breakthrough win at Valley Golf Club last year.
“The course is so difficult and unpredictable. After shooting an 80 in the first round, I thought I played really bad. But when I checked the scores, I realized it wasn’t just me,” said Singson.
“Of course, you want to play well, but given the tough conditions, I just had to accept that even if I hit a good shot, I won’t always get the reward.”
Determined to protect her lead, the Davaoeña vowed to stay patient and avoid aggressive plays that could prove costly.
“If you attack, you won’t hit the greens,” she said. “My goal tomorrow (Wednesday) is just to hit as many fairways and try to miss only around the green.”
Ikeda, Monsalve Stay in Contention
Ikeda, a former LPGT Order of Merit winner, quietly moved into contention with a 75, bouncing back from her opening-round 80.
Despite missing a chance to tie or grab the lead after a three-putt bogey on No. 10, she made key birdies on Nos. 2 and 16 to secure solo second at 155.
“I miscalculated my putt on No. 10. I went too aggressive and it went past the hole, resulting in a three-putt,” Ikeda said. “But my irons clicked today, and my putting was much better.”
Heading into the final round, she plans to take a conservative approach.
“The course is very difficult, so my approach is to stay steady and take advantage of opportunities,” she said in Filipino.
Monsalve, meanwhile, staged an impressive comeback after an error-filled 82 in the opening round.
Focusing on her putting, she fired a 74 to climb to solo third at 156, just two strokes behind Singson.
“In the first round, I had six three-putts and missed a couple of short ones after good chip shots, which led to 38 putts,” said Monsalve.
“So, I really worked on my putting, and it made a huge difference. I only had 29 putts today (Tuesday), which shaved off a lot of strokes.”
With a chance for a breakthrough LPGT title, she is staying composed.
“I do have expectations, but I keep telling myself to take it one shot at a time. Making putts is not a huge improvement, but it makes a big difference in gaining momentum,” she said.
Title Race Remains Wide Open
Several players remain in the hunt despite trailing by a few strokes.
Sarah Ababa carded a 79 for a 157 total, boosted by a closing birdie on No. 18.
Mikha Fortuna struggled with four consecutive bogeys from No. 14, but her 79 kept her in contention at 158, alongside LK Go, who submitted a 76.
First-round leader Gretchen Villacencio and Kayla Nocum faltered as conditions worsened.
Villacencio, who led after an opening 71, crumbled with an 83, dropping to a share of fifth at 158 after a triple bogey on No. 16 and another bogey on the last hole.
Nocum also struggled, posting an inward 42 after a front-nine 38, settling for an 80 and the same 14-over total.
With the Faldo Course refusing to yield low scores and the wind expected to remain a factor, the final round promises a battle of resilience, nerves, and composure.
A thrilling finish looms in the PHP750,000 championship.
