By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Harmie Constantino ended a prolonged slump with a come-from-behind victory in the weather-shortened ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic with a courageous 69 at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City on Thursday, October 24.

The victory not only snapped Constantino’s long skid, which began in June after a dominant run in the first four legs of the 2024 Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, but it also reasserted her standing as the country’s premier golfer.

“Honestly, it felt like luck. It didn’t feel like the victory was mine the entire day. I even had a shaky start,” said Constantino, referring to her three-putt on No. 7 after the resumption of play in the rain-suspended second round.

Constantino assembled a 142 total, which earned her P117,000, edging Sarah Ababa (75) by one stroke.

Florence Bisera shot a 73 to finish third at 145.

Ababa and Bisera took home P82,000 and P65,000, respectively.

Despite trailing by three strokes with six holes to play, Constantino birdied the par-5 14th to force a three-way tie with Ababa and Bisera at five-over overall, setting up a potential playoff finish.

“I played well despite the conditions. It was tough to maintain momentum,” Constantino said.

“The turning point was the birdie on No. 16 from the bunker,” she added.

With previous wins at Palos Verdes, Caliraya Springs and the Philippine Masters, Constantino now heads to the Match Play Championship at The Country Club next month, brimming with confidence but still recognizing areas for improvement.

“I still have a lot to work on before the Match Play. My swing and irons need more attention — they’re not quite where I want them to be,” Constantino said.

Mikha Fortuna carded a 72 to finish fourth at 146, while Daniella Uy faded with a 77 to take fifth place at 148.

Chanelle Avaricio and Villacencio matched 149 after rounds of 75 and 77, respectively.

Princess Superal finished eighth at 150, while Marvi Monsalve (75) and Jiwon Lee (79) shared ninth at 153./ASC, WDJ