BACOLOD – Michael Bibat showcased his resilience and adaptability, battling through relentless rain and unpredictable conditions to claim the first-round lead at the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic with a four-under 66 for a two-stroke lead over four others at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

The tournament’s opening round was played in challenging conditions due to tropical depression Kristine, turning the event into a true test of patience and mental toughness. Torrential rain early on and persistent drizzle throughout the day left the course soaked and muddy, forcing players to make significant adjustments in both their club selections and approach shots.

Bibat rose to the occasion, managing the front nine with three birdies and a lone bogey to lay a strong foundation. He remained steady on the increasingly difficult back nine, adding birdies on Nos. 10 and 13 while many others struggled to handle the slick, muddy fairways and tough pin placements.

“Medyo swerte din, because it’s not easy to play under these conditions – rain, wind and difficult pin positions,” said Bibat, whose last victory came in 2022 at Eagle Ridge. “It (score) could’ve been lower, but I’ll take it.”

He credited his success to his patience, focusing on ball position rather than aggressive play, a strategy crucial under such severe weather.

Trailing Bibat by two strokes are last week's Bacolod Challenge winner Reymon Jaraula, seasoned veteran Angelo Que, rising star Rupert Zaragosa, and unheralded Francis Morilla, all of whom shot 68s.

Lakewood leg titlist Sean Ramos and Russell Bautista followed closely with 69s, while Tony Lascuña, who topped the Splendido Taal leg in harsh weather conditions, Hyun Ho Rho, Gerald Rosales and Randy Garalde carded even-par 70s, keeping the leaderboard crowded in the early stages of the P2.5 million championship presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.

Jaraula, aiming for back-to-back wins, managed a composed 2-under on the front nine before encountering challenges in the last nine holes.

Meanwhile, Sarah Ababa showcased her mental toughness and technical precision, producing a gutsy two-under 68 to claim a three-stroke lead over Daniella Uy here in the distaff side.

Tackling the rain-soaked former Marapara layout, which stretched beyond its listed 6,166 yards, the Davaoeña golfer demonstrated the resilience needed to navigate the course's challenges, heightened by relentless rain from a tropical depression.

"I didn't focus on the course conditions. I just aimed to stay consistent," said Ababa in Filipino, whose back-to-back birdies from No. 14 complemented her solid start of two birdies in the first five holes, offsetting bogeys on Nos. 9 and 11.

Uy, winner in Bacolod last week, tried to challenge Ababa for early control, particularly on the front nine. However, after a par game at the back, she faltered with three bogeys in her last nine holes despite two birdies, finishing with a 71, three strokes off the pace.

Florence Bisera and Gretchen Villacencio both carded 72s to sit tied for third, while Harmie Constantino took solo fifth with a 73. Jiwon Lee, Mikha Fortuna and Chanelle Avaricio followed with 74s, while Princess Superal and Mafy Singson had a rougher start with 76s.

Chihiro Ikeda and Laurea Duque posted 77s, while Marvi Monsalve and Apple Fudolin rounded out the day’s scoring with 78s, all hoping to mount a comeback in the second round of the P1 million championship presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.

Bisera, who also drew confidence from her father-caddie Reynaldo, found success in her driving, woods and irons, saying, "My putting really clicked today, and I was able to save a lot of pars."

Villacencio, recovering from an injury sustained in Iloilo, expressed satisfaction with her round, noting her improved form compared to her 14th-place finish in Bacolod last week. "I’m playing with more confidence now," said Villacencio, one of the few players who did not make any club adjustments despite the challenging conditions. "It’s better to play short here and aim just before the green."

With the leaderboard tight and the weather adding an extra layer of difficulty, the next two rounds promise to be highly competitive as players adapt and strategize to make their move toward the championship.