Riviera Ladies Championship unfolds

MANILA, Philippines — Harmie Constantino retests Mafy Singson’s mettle in what looms to be a fierce duel of top contenders even as Chanelle Avaricio sets out for a stab at a second straight diadem in the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Championship, which gets underway today.

Constantino, who has marked her maiden pro campaign with two victories, both at Eagle Ridge-Aoki, including one over Singson last month, faces the top amateur in the 11:40 a.m. flight, bracing for a challenging day not just against the rising star but also the Langer course in Silang, Cavite.

Singson has figured in the title race in the last three tournaments but came up short on each occasion, setbacks many believe have only toughened up the 18-year-old Davaoeña, who guns for another crack at the overall championship on top of her three straight low amateur honors.

Also in the mix is the comebacking Gretchen Villacencio.

Avaricio, on the other hand, exudes confidence as she launches her drive for another Ladies Philippine Golf Tour plum against Apple Fudolin and amateur Anna Fernandez at 12 noon with forecast of cloudy skies and with chances of rain in the afternoon.

Avaricio is coming off a rousing seven-stroke romp over Chihiro Ikeda and Constantino at the nearby Couples course last week.