Daniella Uy’s meticulous offseason preparations bore immediate fruit as she seized a three-shot lead with a stellar four-under 68 in the opening round of the ICTSI Ladies Pradera Verde Championship on Monday. The former Junior World champion showcased precision and resilience on the challenging Pinatubo course, which is hosting its first professional tournament, to emerge as the early frontrunner in the PHP 1 million, 54-hole event.
Uy’s round was a masterclass in composure and adaptability. Amid swirling winds and ever-changing conditions, she navigated a tight leaderboard—where at least eight players briefly shared the lead—before pulling away with a crucial three-birdie streak from No. 12. Despite a closing bogey on the par 37-35 layout, her 36-32 card reflected a well-rounded performance.
“I shortened my swing for better accuracy and timing,” Uy revealed after her round. “I also worked a lot on my putting inside three feet, which had been a weakness in the past.” Her adjustments clearly paid off, as she capitalized on key opportunities to build a comfortable cushion heading into the second round.
Rising Star Tiffany Lee Lurks in Contention
While Uy’s performance was the highlight of the day, rising star Tiffany Lee remains a formidable threat. Lee, who has struggled with consistency since her breakthrough win at Splendido Taal, showcased her potential with a solid three-under 34 on the front nine. However, a delay in her tee-off at No. 10 disrupted her rhythm, leading to a costly double bogey. She eventually settled for a one-under 71 but remains optimistic about her chances.
“I found the course short, which made my second shots easier, especially on the par-5s,” said Lee, who is aiming to rediscover the form that earned her the Lakewood Championship in a playoff as an amateur. “But the greens are tricky—large and undulating, making putting very difficult.”
Lee’s ability to adapt to the challenging conditions will be crucial as she looks to close the gap on Uy. “I need to keep my drives on the fairway and read the wind better because it’s affecting the ball a lot,” she added.
Pinatubo Course Proves a Tough Test
The Pinatubo course, with its open layout and lack of trees for wind protection, proved to be a great equalizer. Wind direction varied across holes, and the severely undulating greens added another layer of difficulty. While some players found the wind extending the course beyond its yardage, others, like Lee, saw an opportunity to leverage their strengths.
Mikha Fortuna and Samantha Bruce posted identical 72s to stay within striking distance, while Sarah Ababa, a two-leg winner last year, stumbled late to finish with a 73 alongside Seoyun Kim and Martina Miñoza. Mafy Singson, who had a strong start, faltered with late bogeys and a double bogey to card a 74. Princess Superal, despite two birdies, struggled with a double bogey and three bogeys to finish with a 75, tying Kayla Nocum and Annika Cedo for ninth.
Uy’s Strategy and the Road Ahead
Uy’s three-stroke lead is significant, but the tournament is far from over. With Lee and a host of other talented players within striking distance, the title race remains wide open. Uy, however, remains committed to her strategy. “I just need to stay patient, keep my shots in play, and take advantage of the scoring opportunities,” she said.
For Lee, the focus is on regaining her rhythm and minimizing mistakes. “I felt I had the course figured out, but the long wait on No. 10 disrupted my rhythm,” she admitted. “Tomorrow, I just need to stay patient and keep my shots in play.”
As the ICTSI Ladies Pradera Verde Championship heads into its second round, all eyes will be on Uy as she looks to maintain her lead. But with the unpredictable Pinatubo course and a hungry field of competitors, the battle for the title promises to be as thrilling as it is unpredictable.
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