Tabuena slips to joint 5th as Thai maintains lead in Macao Open

MANILA, Philippines -- Miguel Tabuena cooled down with a 68 after an impressive opening round of 64, dropping to a tie for fifth at the halfway point of the Macao Open on Friday.

The Filipino ace now stood five strokes behind Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan, who remained in the lead at the Macau Golf and Country Club.

Tabuena maintained his aggressive approach, carding five birdies in the second round. 

However, three costly bogeys prevented him from closing the gap on the leader, as he settled for a pair of 34s on the par-70 course.

His 132 total placed him alongside John Catlin, Pavit Tangkamolprasert, and Sam Brazel, all tied at eight-under par.

Rattanon, who opened with a blistering 61, carded a solid 66 to sit at 127, two shots clear of fellow Thai Gunn Charoenkul, who posted a sizzling 64 to climb to second place with a 129 total.

Another Thai, Suteepat Prateeptienchai, recorded the best round of the day with a 63 to surge to third place at 130.

Tabuena, whose campaign is backed by ICTSI, displayed improved driving accuracy, hitting 10 fairways, and consistent iron play, reaching 14 greens in regulation. However, he struggled with his putting, needing 30 putts, including a three-putt on the par-5 13th.

Meanwhile, fellow Filipino Sean Ramos bounced back with a 68 after an opening 71, moving to a tie for 47th at 139. Justin Quiban, however, had a rough day, shooting a 73 to fall to 142, two strokes below the projected cutline.