Uy eyes triumphant return as ICTSI Bacolod reels off

BACOLOD CITY — There couldn’t be a more fitting stage or compelling moment for Daniella Uy to reignite her rivalry with the country’s top professionals — and rising Korean talents — than at the very tournament where she last triumphed.

The ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge tees off today at the tight, hazard-laden Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Binitin, Murcia, with Uy returning not only as defending champion but as a marked contender — focused, hungry, and determined to reclaim her place atop the leaderboard after a lengthy campaign abroad.

Taking a break from her LPGA of Taiwan stint, Uy is back on home soil with a game honed by months of high-level competition against Asia’s top-tier golfers.

Though still in search of her first international title, the experience has sharpened her mental game and refined her tactics.

Bacolod holds special meaning for Uy, a former Junior World champion, who clinched her fifth career title here last year by fending off Chanelle Avaricio in a tense final stretch.

That two-stroke win became a springboard for her international pursuits.

But Uy knows her return won’t be easy.

The par-70 layout in Binitin is short but demanding, requiring precision over power and rewarding smart course management more than aggressive play.

And the field is deep, talented, and just as determined.

In the mix are reigning LPGT Order of Merit champion Harmie Constantino, Epson Tour campaigner Pauline del Rosario, rising star Mafy Singson, and the steady Sarah Ababa — all of whom are strong title threats.

Ababa, who narrowly lost to Princess Superal in a playoff at Caliraya Springs last month, said her strategy is to keep things simple.

“Simple lang ang game plan — stick to basics, stay consistent at huwag magmadali,” said Ababa, who has posted several top-5 finishes this season.

“Course management will be critical.”

Notably absent is Superal, who withdrew to continue shoulder therapy, leaving the title race wide open and more unpredictable.

“Iba rin ang pakiramdam kapag wala si Princess kasi sanay na kami na lagi kaming sabay na lumalaban,” added Ababa.

“But her absence means everyone now feels they have a real shot.

It’s not easier — it’s even more competitive because more players are gunning for the win.”

Also eyeing a breakthrough are Korean challengers Tiffany Lee and Seoyun Kim, along with Kayla Nocum, Florence Bisera, Chihiro Ikeda, Pamela Mariano, Martina Miñoza, and former national team standout Lois Kaye Go.

All are capable of pulling off surprises on a course that punishes mistakes.

For Uy, however, this week is about more than defending a crown.

It’s about proving to herself — and the field — that she’s a tougher, more refined version of the player who lifted the trophy here a year ago.

With pride on the line and momentum to regain, expect the defending champion to come out swinging with renewed purpose.