Tabuena fights into contention with superb 68, trails by 3

MANILA, Philippines – Miguel Tabuena bounced back from a shaky finish at the Indonesia Open last week, turning in an impressive four-under-par 68 at the start of the Shinhan Donghae Open at the Ocean Course in Club 72, South Korea on Thursday.

Tabuena showcased his resilience by finishing strong with a 33 on the front nine, after a two-birdie, one-bogey performance on the back nine. His effort put him in a share of sixth place alongside nine others, trailing local standout Jaewoon Eom and Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura by just three strokes in the $300,000 Asian Tour event.

After a promising first three rounds at last week’s Indonesia Open, where he ultimately settled for a tie for 16th after a final-round 72, the ICTSI-backed Tabuena’s steady start in Korea reignited hopes for a successful campaign.

The Filipino star is aiming for his first Asian Tour win since triumphing in India last year.

Tabuena's consistency was evident throughout the round, as he hit all but two fairways, reached 14 greens in regulation, and navigated the course with 29 putts, including a crucial sand save on No. 18.

Meanwhile, Filipino-American Justin delos Santos, taking a brief break from the Japan Golf Tour, struggled to a four-over 76, leaving him on the brink of missing the cut in the 72-hole tournament.