Singson nails first crown via sudden death

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite , Philippines — Mafy Singson secured her first professional crown in dramatic fashion at the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Championship, overcoming Florence Bisera in a nerve-wracking sudden death playoff here yesterday.

The playoff was a test of nerves. On the first sudden death hole back on No. 18, Singson overshot the green but managed to salvage a par off a superb chip shot. Bisera, meanwhile, had a long birdie attempt but failed to capitalize, forcing both players back to the tee.

Then Singson reached regulation on their second attempt at the par-4 closing hole while Bisera missed the green and failed to get up-and-down. With a steady two-putt par, Singson sealed the victory, a milestone moment for the SEA Games and Queen Sirikit Cup veteran.

Singson banked P90,000 for her first pro win.

Tiffany Lee finished third at 234 after a final-round 73, while Chanelle Avaricio and Sarah Ababa shared fourth at 235. First-round leader Gretchen Villacencio, who had surged back into contention at the turn, faded with late bogeys and double bogeys, closing with a 79 for seventh at 237.

Meanwhile, Guido van der Valk lived through a grueling backside battle and held on to a one-stroke edge despite carding a 75 in the third round of the P2 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Van der Valk holds a 54-hole aggregate of 221, with Sean Ramos trailing by just one shot at 222 after also posting a three-over round.

Lloyd Go stood another stroke back at 223 following a 76.