Avaricio keeps pressure on leader as Bisera ignites late title bid

MANILA, Philippines — Chanelle Avaricio weathered a tougher second-round test with a one-under 71, while Yvon Bisera unleashed the day's biggest charge with a sizzling 66, keeping the Philippines firmly in the hunt for the Singha-NDSF Ladies Open 2026 crown at Windson Park and Golf Club in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday.

Despite failing to replicate the fireworks of her opening-round 67, Avaricio remained in prime position at 138, just two shots behind Thai ace Jaravee Boonchant, who was still on the course in the afternoon wave and trying to protect her lead.

With Bisera roaring back into contention after a brilliant recovery round, the Philippines heads into the final 18 holes with two genuine championship hopefuls in the THB1.5-million Thai LPGA Tour event.

Avaricio looked ready for another low round after birdieing Nos. 3 and 4, but momentum proved difficult to sustain.

She bogeyed the par-3 fifth after failing to save par, bounced back with a birdie on No. 8, then settled into a frustrating stretch where several birdie opportunities slipped away. A closing bogey left her with a 34-37 card, but her six-under total was enough to keep her well within striking distance entering the final day.

While Avaricio maintained her position near the top, Bisera delivered the round of the day among the leading contenders.

After opening with a disappointing 75 that left her flirting with the cut line, the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour standout responded with a spectacular six-under to vault into a share of ninth at 141, only five strokes off Boonchant.

The power-hitting Davaoeña ignited her comeback with birdies on Nos. 3 and 4 before a bogey on the par-5 sixth briefly slowed her charge. She caught fire on the back nine, reeling off four consecutive birdies from No. 11 to catapult herself back into contention.

Although her birdie run ended with a par on the 15th, Bisera birdied the par-5 next before finishing with two steady pars to complete a remarkable 35-31.

The former Thai Ladies Masters champion now heads into the final round with momentum squarely on her side, while Avaricio continues to apply pressure near the top of the leaderboard.

With Avaricio only two shots behind and Bisera carrying the hottest form into the closing day, the Philippines has a realistic opportunity to produce a champion in Thailand this week.

Meanwhile, the five other Filipinas were still on the course at press time, continuing their second-round campaigns, including Harmie Constantino, Princess Superal, Daniella Uy, Mafy Singson, and Marvi Monsalve, along with Korea's Tiffany Lee.

In Taiwan, Sean Ramos failed to gain ground on Moving Day, settling for a one-under 71 and a 214 total to share 36th place through 54 holes at the HCT ADT Open at Hsin Feng Golf Country Club.

Local ace Lu Wei-chih surged ahead with a blistering 63 to reach 15-under 201, opening up a commanding four-stroke lead. Overnight leader and fellow Taiwanese Mako Shapiyate cooled off with a 69 for a 205 total, while Chang Wei-lun also carded a 69 to sit at 206 — setting up an all-local showdown for the final round.