Superal nears LPGT crown; Mondilla ties Jahns in PGT

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NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – Princess Superal fired a flawless four-under-par 66 to seize a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic on Wednesday.

Her bogey-free performance at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club gave her a 36-hole total of 136, moving her closer to another Ladies Philippine Golf Tour crown.

Superal birdied three of the first seven holes and added a tap-in birdie on the par-3 16th to highlight her sharp iron play and putting.

“I’m happy where I’m at kasi okay ang driving ko and everything,” said Superal, who edged Sarah Ababa in a playoff at Caliraya Springs last month.

“Kailangan na lang na mag-click at putting ko tomorrow,” she added.

After skipping the Bacolod Challenge to complete shoulder therapy, Superal said she feels no pain but remains careful with her recovery.

“Sobrang focused lang ako sa process ng game ko,” she said. “Kahit saan pumunta ang bola, basta focus lang ako sa process.”

Korean Seo Yun Kim stayed in contention with a second 69 for 138, two shots back of Superal.

“I need more practice with my driving and putting,” Kim admitted.

“I don’t want to think too much again, because every time I do, I get nervous,” she said, noting she just wants to “play happy” after last week’s collapse at Binitin.

Lois Kaye Go stood four shots behind at 140 after another 70, while Florence Bisera slipped to 142 following a triple-bogey on No. 11.

Daniella Uy carded a 70 for 144, Angela Mangala faltered with 75 for 145, and Chanelle Avaricio and Tiffany Lee matched 146s.

Pauline del Rosario, last week’s winner, trailed at 147 despite a 70, alongside Gretchen Villacencio and Mafy Singson.

Meanwhile, Clyde Mondilla shot a sizzling 65 to tie Keanu Jahns for the lead at 135 in the men’s Philippine Golf Tour division.

Jahns settled for a 68 after bogeys on Nos. 3 and 6, allowing Mondilla to catch up with birdies on 12, 13, and 18.

Just one stroke behind at 136 were Jhonnel Ababa, Nilo Salahog, Collin Wheeler, and defending champion Rupert Zaragosa.

Justin Quiban and Atsushi Ueda followed at 137, while a group at 138 included Rico Depilo, Aidric Chan, and Reymon Jaraula.

Despite a slip on the front nine, Jahns said: “My driving is okay, medyo nag-struggle lang sa second nine, but okay naman ang score.”

“I’m confident, and I’m good,” he added. “I just need to stick to my game plan.”

Mondilla, who returned from a break, said: “Kampante ako sa pwesto ko, at least nakuha na uli ang momentum.”

“Mahirap ang Marapara, pero ang key talaga dito ay tee shot at putting,” he said.

With only three shots separating the top 11 players, both the women’s and men’s divisions are set for tense finishes in Thursday’s rounds.