Davao city: Sarah Ababa fired a 65 to post a one-stroke victory over hometown ace Florence Bisera in the ICTSI South Pacific Classic in Davao City Thursday. Ababa, who edged out Chanelle Avaricio in two playoff holes to win the Del Monte leg two weeks ago, trailed by three shots with nine holes to play.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bisera seemed to have the tournament all wrapped up with a seven-under 29 built on five consecutive birdies from No. 5. Ababa confessed to experiencing self-doubt after Bisera’s impressive front nine. However, her father, veteran tour player Edgar Ababa, encouraged her by saying, “No one wins after nine holes. There are still plenty of chances to make up for it.” This advice spurred Ababa to continue her pursuit.

Ababa managed a birdie on the par-4 12th and another on No. 14, narrowing Bisera’s lead to one. On the 17th, after a precise drive, Ababa was 70 yards out. She executed a wedge shot that landed inches past the cup and nearly dropped for an eagle, resulting in a tap-in birdie that tied her with Bisera at 10-under, setting up a dramatic conclusion.

“The match was very tight, but my yardage on the last two holes was great. The 70 yards on 17 and 110 yards on 18 – those are really my comfort distances. I’m confident in that,” said Ababa. She approached the par-5 18th with composure, delivering another precise shot from 110 yards that stopped inches from the hole. Her second straight birdie on the final hole secured her an 11-under finish.

Bisera’s final birdie attempt narrowly missed, and her 65 was not enough to secure the win. Ababa’s 11-under 205 total earned her P114,000 and reinforced her reputation as the circuit’s comeback queen. Bisera settled for second at 206, while Avaricio – who won the Apo leg last week – carded a 67 to finish third, followed by Princess Superal with a 67 for a 209 total. Tiffany Lee (68-210), Harmie Constantino (68-214), and Daniella Uy (74-216) rounded out the top contenders.