NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – Princess Superal reminded everyone why she remains the face of women’s professional golf in the country – and a force to be reckoned with elsewhere – as she fired a flawless four-under-par 66 to seize a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic here on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Putting on a masterclass in composure and course management, Superal carved out the lone bogey-free round on a challenging day at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, where even the most experienced players struggled with the tricky layout. With a 36-hole total of 136, the inaugural Asia-Pacific Cup champion moved tantalizingly close to adding another Ladies Philippine Golf Tour title to her vast trophy collection.

Superal’s round was a study in precision and poise. She birdied three of the first seven holes – Nos. 1, 6 and 7 – converting from inside 13 feet, and later added a tap-in birdie on the par-3 16th to highlight her sharp iron play and deft touch on the greens.

Her accuracy off the tee and calm demeanor were evident throughout the day, as she methodically outplayed the field while others faltered in the face of mounting pressure.

“I’m happy where I’m at kasi okay ang driving ko and everything,” said Superal, who edged Sarah Ababa in sudden death at Caliraya Springs last month. “Kailangan na lang na mag-click at putting ko tomorrow (Thursday).”

Coming off a much-needed break to complete shoulder therapy – skipping the Bacolod Challenge in the process – Superal looks fully recovered and mentally recharged. Her fitness and focus are peaking at just the right time.

“Sobrang focused lang ako sa process ng game ko,” she added. “Kahit saan pumunta ang bola, basta focus lang ako sa process. I feel no pain (in my shoulder) pero lagi ko lang siyang pinapahinga.”

Superal’s ability to maintain tunnel vision and execute under pressure has long been her trademark, honed from years of international competition, including her record victory at the US Girls’ Junior. That experience, combined with her mental toughness, has made her nearly unshakable in tight finishes – qualities that could once again carry her to victory.

But while Superal may be inching closer to the title, Korean Seo Yun Kim remains a clear and present threat.

After squandering a commanding six-stroke lead in the final round at Binitin last week, Kim showed resilience and purpose with a second 69 to trail Superal by two at 138 heading the final round of the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Although she shared the lead briefly at three-under with birdies on Nos 6 and 9, a bogey on the 12th proved costly.

Still, she stayed within striking distance by salvaging par on her final holes.

“I need more practice with my driving and putting,” admitted Kim. “Overall, I just want to focus on my game.”

More reflective than frustrated, Kim acknowledged the mental challenge of leading in tournaments and hinted at a change in mindset.

“I don’t want to think too much again, because every time I do, I get nervous most of the time,” she said. “So I just want to play happy out there. I actually don’t want to lead or be at second.”

That attitude could serve her well, especially after her recent collapse at Binitin. A comeback win here would mark a dramatic turnaround and her first LPGT crown – a redemption story waiting to be written.

Meanwhile, Lois Kaye Go continued to lurk quietly at 140 after back-to-back 70s, just four strokes behind Superal. On a course where momentum can shift with a single missed putt or errant drive, she remains a potential spoiler.

Florence Bisera, once in the hunt, saw her title hopes unravel with a disastrous triple-bogey on the 11th and closed with a 72, slipping to solo fourth at 142. Daniella Uy rebounded with a 70 for a 144, while Angela Mangala faltered with a 75 after an impressive 70 for a 145.

Chanelle Avaricio and Tiffany Lee matched 146s after 71 and 76, respectively, while Pauline del Rosario, last week’s winner, is too far back to mount a serious challenge at 147 despite a closing birdie on No. 8 to salvage a 70. Also with seven-over totals were Gretchen Villacencio and Mafy Singson, who carded 71 and 74, respectively.

As the final round looms, all eyes will be on Superal to see if she can sustain her momentum and close out another victory, while Kim looks to erase past demons and prove she has what it takes to win under pressure.