Determined to erase the disappointment of a frustrating finish in Baguio despite nursing a nagging hand injury, Yvon Bisera delivered a commanding response, overpowering the field with a seven-shot victory over Chihiro Ikeda in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship at the Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga, on Thursday.
The triumph not only underscored Bisera’s resilience but also highlighted the ever-changing fortunes on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. Just days after Chanelle Avaricio staged a spectacular comeback victory at Pinewoods, she struggled to adapt to the flatter Pradera Verde layout.
Unlike her victory at Lakewood last March, where she survived a nerve-wracking three-way playoff, Bisera left nothing to chance this time. Armed with a three-shot overnight lead, the ace Davaoeña methodically kept Harmie Constantino and the rest of the field at bay, closing with a one-under-par 71 for a 54-hole total of seven-under 209 to pocket the top purse of P101,250.
Ikeda fired a 72 to finish runner-up at 216, overtaking Constantino, who faltered after a front-nine 40 and limped home with a 76 to settle for third at 217.
Daniella Uy carded a 70 to claim fourth place at 218, while Gretchen Villacencio shot a 73 to finish fifth at 220.
Princess Superal posted a 74 to share sixth place at 225 with Avaricio, who stumbled with a 79. Tiffany Lee placed eighth at 226 after a 77, while Kayla Nocum and Martina Miñoza matched 76s to tie for ninth at 227.
What made Bisera’s victory even more impressive was the manner in which she accomplished it.
Still bothered by the hand injury she sustained during last week’s Pinewoods campaign, Bisera opted for patience over aggression, relying on precision, smart course management and growing confidence on a layout that closely resembles her home course at South Pacific Golf Club in Davao.
(C) LPGT
“I’m really happy to win again,” said Bisera in Filipino, who bounced back from a shaky front-nine 37 by birdieing three straight holes starting at No. 10, effectively extinguishing any hopes of a comeback from Ikeda, Constantino, and the rest of the field.
“My hand started to hurt when it rained, but the good thing was the weather warmed up again, so it gradually felt better,” said Bisera, referring to the injury that ultimately did little to slow her down as she cruised to victory.
That resilience proved decisive.
After opening the final round with a bogey, Bisera quickly regained control with birdies on Nos. 2 and 4. As her challengers failed to mount a sustained charge under gray skies, light winds and an eventual downpour, her lead never came under serious threat, allowing her to cruise to her second victory in just four LPGT starts.
The contrasting fortunes of the circuit’s recent champions were equally striking.
Only days after rallying from behind to snatch a dramatic victory at the demanding Pinewoods course in Baguio, Avaricio struggled to solve the vastly different challenges posed by the flatter, wider but equally exacting Mike Singgaran-designed layout. She limped home with a seven-over-par 79, while Bisera, who endured a forgettable 10th-place finish at Pinewoods, looked completely at ease on a course whose features reminded her of home.
“I give all the credit for this win to God and my family,” said Bisera. “I didn’t expect to win by such a big margin because Harmie is a tough competitor, especially in the final round. I just kept telling myself that I needed to shoot under par on the last day.”
Bisera pocketed the P101,250 champion’s purse and, more importantly, strengthened her bid for a maiden Order of Merit title on the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Her victory served as another reminder of golf’s unpredictable nature, where fortunes can change from one tournament to the next. For Avaricio, the magic of Pinewoods gave way to frustration on the plains of Pradera Verde. For Bisera, the disappointment and pain she carried out of Baguio became the fuel for an emphatic return to the winner’s circle.
