BACOLOD City – Harmie Constantino ended a prolonged slump in spectacular fashion, rallying from three strokes down to edge out Sarah Ababa by one shot and claim the title at the weather-shortened ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic with a courageous 69 here on Thursday, Oct. 24.

This victory not only marked the end of Constantino's struggles, 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 with the harsh conditions further underscoring her resilience and skill.

"Honestly, it felt like luck," Constantino admitted after her hard-fought win, though her mastery in adverse conditions proved otherwise.

"It didn't feel like the victory was mine the entire day. I even had a shaky start," she added, 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 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.

Heavy rains and fierce winds at mid-morning turned the event, presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp., into a battle for survival, with contenders struggling to stay on course amid the elements. Players were forced to constantly adjust their strategies as the gusts of wind wreaked havoc on their shots, making each stroke a challenge.

Despite trailing by three strokes with six holes to play, Constantino held her nerve. She 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.

But a superb bunker shot on No. 16 led to a a crucial birdie that gave her the lead – and the victory.

As Constantino finished her round, she held a one-stroke lead over the final flight of Ababa, Daniella Uy and Gretchen Villacencio. Not realizing she was ahead, Constantino focused on hitting the fairway and securing par on the closing hole, which she did.

Ababa, unable to capitalize on the par-5 18th, settled for a two-putt par, giving Constantino her fourth victory at the close of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

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.

Meanwhile, a dose of pain relievers kept Rupert Zaragosa going as he navigated through the tough conditions at the resumption of the weather-suspended second round in the men’s side.

With gusty winds swirling, Zaragosa managed to craft a one-under-par card over the remaining six holes, concluding the second round with a 66 and six-under total of 134 at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club course.

What began as a P2.5 million, 72-hole championship has now been reduced to 54 holes due to the relentless downpours of Typhoon Kristine, which submerged fairways and flooded bunkers, forcing the suspension of the second round Wednesday.

Zaragosa's ability to remain composed amid such challenges netted him a commanding six-stroke lead over Tony Lascuña, who matched par 70, and Reymon Jaraula, who faltered with a 72, for similar 140s as the second round wrapped up under difficult conditions bordering on the worst seen in years.

Zaragosa’s flightmates, Michael Bibat and Hyun Ro Ho, struggled to recover from their over-par rounds that began in adverse environment the previous day. Despite howling winds and intermittent drizzles on Thursday, Zaragosa’s sharp game and mental toughness prevailed, adding a one-under card to his earlier three-under mark.

Meanwhile, Bibat hobbled with two dropped shots, finishing with a 75 for 141, while Ho salvaged a birdie on the fifth before dropping two strokes and posting a 72 for 142.