Oct 25, 2026
Avaricio rides South Pacific high into Apo title defense
MANILA, Philippines – Chanelle Avaricio brings a potent mix of winning momentum, growing confidence and proven course mastery into the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic, seeking back-to-back victories and a fourth title of the season as the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour wraps up its 2026 campaign Tuesday (Oct. 27) in Davao City.
Fresh from a one-shot victory over Tiffany Lee at South Pacific last week, Avaricio heads to the quaint Apo layout with another compelling edge: a return to the course where she ruled in dominant fashion last year, turning a tight opening-round battle into a runaway triumph with a sterling second-round 68 that propelled her to an seven-shot victory.
The reigning champion thus looms as the player to beat in the P1.25-million season-ending championship, armed with the confidence of a recent winner, familiarity with the demands of the course and an increasingly well-rounded game sharpened by overseas competitions, including the China Tour.
Another victory would not only give Avaricio a fitting finish to her campaign but also match her four-title haul in the 2022 season. She has already stamped her class this year with victories at the demanding Pinewoods leg and Summit Point before surviving a dramatic, shifting battle of fortunes at South Pacific.
Yet for Avaricio, the significance of each triumph goes beyond numbers or comparisons.
“Each win means a lot to me,” said Avaricio after edging Lee in a tense finish. “It’s same as my other wins. Pero lahat naman, I'm really grateful and happy. So, it's the same as all my wins. So, grateful lang talaga.” That humility, however, will not diminish the target on her back at Apo. With her recent form and impressive title-defense credentials, Avaricio will have to contend with 23 challengers, including three amateurs, eager to derail her bid for another LPGT crown and close the season with a statement of their own.
Among the leading threats is Yvon Bisera, who seeks redemption and a third title of the season, while Lee will be out to sustain her late-season charge after ending a two-year title drought at Pueblo de Oro. Daniella Uy, Harmie Constantino and Princess Superal also have the firepower to mount serious challenges if they find their rhythm early.
Local knowledge could prove crucial on Apo's tight, tricky layout, putting Sarah Ababa, Mafy Singson and Chihiro Ikeda in the mix. Their familiarity with Davao's oldest golf course, where they have trained and developed their games, could provide a valuable advantage in a field expected to push Avaricio from the opening round.
Also tipped to contend are Rev Alcantara, who turned in a strong performance at South Pacific, Pamela Mariano, Gretchen Villacencio, Marvi Monsalve, Velinda Castil and Monica Mondario, along with returning Korean campaigner Seoyun Kim, and Eunhua Nam.
For Avaricio, the equation is compelling: arrive as the latest winner, return to a venue where she delivered a commanding performance a year ago, and chase a fourth victory in a season that has further underscored her growth as one of the tour's leading players.
One more win would make that homecoming even sweeter – and give the LPGT season a finish worthy of a champion. TMT
