Bisera bucks early wobbles, dominates with fiery 68

MANILA, Philippines – Yvon Bisera turned a shaky start into an impressive surge, unleashing a blistering back-nine charge capped by three straight birdies from No. 15 to shoot a four-under 68 and seize a commanding four-shot lead in the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship on Monday. After stumbling with bogeys on Nos. 2 and 5 while struggling to find her touch with the irons, the Davaoeña ace regrouped in impressive fashion, stringing together six birdies to emerge from the opening round with a big cushion in the 54-hole, P1.25-million championship at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club here. Her scorching finish proved a stark contrast to the struggles of her rivals, many of whom faltered under the punishing heat and the course’s demanding layout. Reigning Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit champion Sarah Ababa emerged as Bisera’s closest pursuer with a 72, but even she could not escape the day’s challenges, mixing three birdies with three bogeys to settle four strokes behind. Tiffany Lee and Velinda Castil carded 73s, while Martina Miñoza and Daniella Uy stumbled to 74s. Princess Superal and amateur sister Ace Superal turned in 76s, while Rev Alcantara and Angela Mangana limped home with 77s as the heat and...