BUKIDNON – Chanelle Avaricio held on to a precarious one-shot lead despite a grinding even-par 72, as Daniella Uy and Sarah Ababa closed in with gutsy rounds to set up a thrilling three-way battle heading into the final round of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here Wednesday.

Avaricio, who lit up the course with a flawless 67 on Tuesday, struggled with her approach shots in Round 2, limiting her birdie chances and forcing her to lean on a sharp short game to salvage crucial pars.

“My driving was good but I struggled with my second shots. I also had difficulties with my putting,” said Avaricio, after stringing together 18 pars in a gritty round that kept her on top at 139.

Despite the challenges, the Forest Hills champion remains focused on staying present.

“I’ll just be in the moment, hoping for a great day tomorrow,” she said, emphasizing the mental aspect of competing under pressure.

Still, she knows it could all come down to the final holes.

“Hopefully, the putts will drop,” Avaricio added, acknowledging the fine margins in play at the challenging Del Monte Golf Club.

Tempering expectations, she opted to keep her sights grounded.

“I’m not sure of my chances, but I’ll do my best,” she said.

Uy, taking a break from the Taiwan tour, opted for a conservative approach on the tight, tree-lined layout, carding a 71 highlighted by two birdies and a lone bogey. Her steady play placed her just a stroke back at 140, setting up a compelling duel with Avaricio.

“I’m not really thinking about scoring a repeat. I just want to focus on my game, trust the process and stay with my routine,” said Uy, downplaying her chances despite being the defending champion at Del Monte.

She also stressed the need to block out distractions.

“I’ll try not to get too distracted,” she added, keeping her eyes firmly on the task at hand.

Uy credited her rivals for their deft touch around the greens, something she hopes to replicate.

“They’re really good with their short game. I guess I also need to out my short game,” she said with a smile.

Unlike the top two, Ababa went on the offensive, firing four birdies against two bogeys for a 70, pulling within two shots at 141 and putting herself firmly in the title hunt in the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“Mas gumanda ang irons ko today compared sa first round. My ball control and placements were good and my putting remains steady,” said Ababa, showing confidence in her improving form.

Fueled by a desire to bounce back from a tough playoff loss to Princess Superal at Caliraya Springs last August, the Davaoeña is also drawing strength from a special partnership.

“Hindi ko iniisip ang laro ng mga kalaban. Basta ako, gusto ko lang mag-enjoy at relax ako kasi tatay ko din ang caddie ko,” she said, referring to her father-caddie Edgar, a former tour pro.

Still, she knows where improvements are needed.

“I just need to work on my driving,” said Ababa.

Behind the leading trio, Kristine Fleetwood joined the chase with a 70 to move to 142, just three shots back. Meanwhile, Mafy Singson posted the day’s best round – a 69 – to vault into a three-way tie at 143 with Harmie Constantino (72) and local hopeful Velinda Castil (73).

Martina Miñoza, another homegrown talent, settled for a second straight 72 for a 144, while Florence Bisera – winner of two titles last month – continued to struggle, carding a 73 for a 146, leaving her seven shots behind Avaricio.

With just four shots separating the top seven players and the Del Monte course playing unpredictable, the event is poised for a thrilling finale – one where poise, precision and putting under pressure could ultimately decide the winner.