BACOLOD, Philippines — Michael Bibat battled through relentless rain to claim the first-round lead with a four-under 66 in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club yesterday.
The opening round was played in challenging conditions due to tropical depression Kristine, turning the event into a true test of patience and mental toughness.
Bibat rose to the occasion, managing the front nine with three birdies and a lone bogey to lay a strong foundation for a for a two-stroke lead over four others.
“Medyo swerte din, because it’s not easy to play under these conditions – rain, wind and difficult pin positions,” said Bibat, whose last victory came in 2022 at Eagle Ridge.
Trailing Bibat were last week’s Bacolod Challenge winner Reymon Jaraula, veteran Angelo Que, rising star Rupert Zaragosa, and unheralded Francis Morilla, who all shot 68s.
Lakewood leg titlist Sean Ramos and Russell Bautista followed closely with 69s, while Tony Lascuña, who topped the Splendido Taal leg in harsh weather conditions, Hyun Ho Rho, Gerald Rosales and Randy Garalde carded even-par 70s, keeping the leaderboard crowded in the early stages of the P2.5 million championship presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.
Meanwhile, Sarah Ababa produced a gutsy two-under 68 to claim a three-stroke lead over Daniella Uy.
“I didn’t focus on the course conditions. I just aimed to stay consistent,” said Ababa, whose back-to-back birdies from No. 14 complemented her solid start of two birdies in the first five holes
Uy, winner in Bacolod last week, tried to challenge Ababa for early control, particularly on the front nine. However, after a par game at the back, she faltered with three bogeys in her last nine holes.