By ADRIAN STEWART CO

A dramatic shift of fortunes defined the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge as Pauline del Rosario staged a remarkable fightback to capture the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) title.

Del Rosario, a former Order of Merit champion, overturned a six-shot deficit in stunning fashion, carding a flawless four-under-par 66 at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club on Thursday, September 4.

Her victory was sealed when Korean frontrunner Seo Yun Kim faltered down the stretch, surrendering her two-day dominance with a closing 73.

Del Rosario’s three-day aggregate of 206 was enough for a one-stroke win, marking her first title in two years.

Birdies on holes 15 and 16 tipped the momentum in Del Rosario’s favor as Kim stumbled with a bogey at the 17th.

The Filipina ace calmly two-putted for par on the final green, while Kim missed a playoff-saving putt.

“It feels good to win again, but I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet,” said Del Rosario, who also made headlines in 2017 as the first Filipina champion on the LPGA Tour of Taiwan.

The triumph was worth P90,000 and marked her first professional title played outside Luzon.

Kim settled for her sixth career runner-up finish at 207. Daniella Uy, last year’s champion, placed solo third at 209 after a 69.

In the men’s championship, Keanu Jahns showcased composure and consistency as he surged to a two-shot lead going into the final round.

His second straight five-under 65 brought him to 13-under 197, two strokes clear of Fidel Concepcion, who matched his round of 65. Overnight co-leader Tae Won Ha slipped to third with a 69 but remains within striking distance at 201.

Jahns set the tone early, firing four birdies in his opening six holes to establish control of the leaderboard.

Aidric Chan briefly challenged him with an eagle on No. 9, but a triple bogey on the 13th derailed his momentum, leaving him at 202./ASC, WDJ