Yvon Bisera rules South Pacific Classic for first LPGT title

Florence Yvon Bisera. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

DAVAO City – Yvon Bisera said she likes playing the front nine of the challenging South Pacific course here.

She wasn’t joking.

Dismissing the challenge of Mikha Fortuna early, Bisera held on with a steady performance after the turn to rule the ICTSI South Pacific Classic on Thursday for her first victory on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

“This win means everything to me, very memorable since I did it on my home course and before my family,” said the 21-year-old Bisera, whose 215 total bagged her the P125,000 top prize.

Bisera hit two early birdies and pulled away from a deadlock with Fortuna, who dropped two more strokes after bogeys on Nos. 1 and 6.

It was longshot Apple Fudolin who stayed in step with Bisera in front, finishing with 32 against the eventual champion’s 33, but the Davao bet proved steadier in the testy back nine to remain unchallenged.

Bisera eventually finished three strokes ahead of Daniella Uy, who shot a final-round 69.

Tied with Fortuna after 36 holes, Bisera pulled ahead with a birdie on No. 2 and built a two-shot cushion on No. 7.

“It’s a big help to get a two-stroke lead since for me, the backside is very difficult,” added Bisera.

Harmie Constantino, winner of the Luisita leg and the Villamor Philippine Masters, shot a 71 to place fifth at 222 while Fudolin got bogged by a backside 43 and dropped to sixth at 223 after a 75.

Seoyun Kim of Korea skied to a 76 and slipped to seventh at 224 while Pamela Mariano wound up eighth at 227 after a 77, followed by Valley leg winner and amateur standout Mafy Singson, who had a 77 and a 231.