Last-round charge nets Ababa Del Monte crown

In one of the most gripping finales of the season, Sarah Ababa clawed back from five strokes down with a fearless charge on the closing holes, then outlasted Chanelle Avaricio in a pressure-packed second playoff hole to capture the ICTSI Del Monte Championship yesterday.

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Trailing for most of the day and facing what looked like an insurmountable deficit, Ababa summoned the composure and tenacity of a seasoned warrior, canning birdies in three of the last five holes for a final-round 70 that put her at 211 in a tie with Avaricio, who stumbled home with a 72 after a sizzling start.

“I didn’t expect to win -I was 2-down with two holes to go,” admitted Ababa.

With steely resolve and near-flawless execution, Ababa mounted a stunning comeback that forced a sudden-death.