Bisera, 3 other Filipinas prime for battle in Singapore Ladies Masters

MANILA, Philippines — Yvon Bisera banners a crack Philippine contingent ready and determined to slug it out with the region’s leading players and rising stars in the $120,000 Singapore Ladies Masters, which fires off Friday at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

A multi-titled campaigner on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, Bisera broke through with an overseas victory at the Thailand Ladies Masters last year. Her recent stints on the China LPGA Tour, alongside compatriots Chanelle Avaricio, Mafy Singson and Daniella Uy, have significantly toughened the Filipinas up for this weekend’s battle.

Because this CLPGA event is a compact 54-hole tournament, a fast start will be critical. Bisera is scheduled for an early 8:54 a.m. tee-off on No. 10, facing local standout Sockhwee Koh, China's Danlin Cai and amateur Ruolin Song.

Uy will kick off the Filipinas’ morning charge even earlier at 9:18 a.m. on No. 1, clashing with Amanda Tan of Singapore, Rina Tatematsu of Japan and Thailand's Thamnida Seema. Singson follows closely behind Bisera’s group on No. 10, sharing a flight with Taiwanese Chih Yun Wu, Lei Ye of China and Thai Nermittra Juntanaket.

Avaricio drew a later 10:46 a.m. tee time, paired with Yanrong Peng of China, Korean Hyun Woo Jung and Dussavi Soopimjit of Thailand.

Meanwhile, Pinay amateur Stevie Umali is also in the fold, eager to make an impact against a veteran field that includes Thai Kamonwan Lueamsri, Winnie Ng of Malaysia and Dongmei Li of China.

They all face a steep challenge from Chinese star Pang Runzhi, who headlines the stellar international field and is geared up for a successful title defense on the Masters course.

The 19-year-old Pang edged compatriot Cai by a single stroke last year before adding a second CLPGA victory at the Women's China Open in October. She has sustained that blistering form this season, notching three top-10 finishes in six starts.

"Singapore holds special memories for me because winning here was an important milestone in my career," said Pang.

"Coming back as the defending champion is exciting, but I'm focusing on playing my own game and staying patient. The field is very strong, and I know I'll need to perform well over all three rounds. Hopefully, I can give myself another chance on Sunday," she added.