MANILA, Philippines – Clariss Guce launched a thrilling eagle-aided charge down the stretch, but her late surge wasn't enough as she settled for a tie for third place in the Epson Tour Championship at the Players Course, Wells Golf Resort in California on Sunday (Monday Manila time). Heather Lin emerged victorious, recovering from a mid-round stumble to claim the title with a 16-under 268 total.
Lin overcame a double-bogey on the 10th hole by stringing together three birdies over the last seven holes. Her 67 in the final round of the par-71 layout proved enough to secure the crown, one stroke ahead of Ashley Lau, who finished second at 15-under 269 after a closing 66.
Lau mounted a fierce comeback with three birdies from No. 13 but couldn't capitalize on a birdie opportunity at the par-5 17th, missing her chance to force a playoff.
Guce, who was just a stroke behind the leader entering the final round, struggled to find her rhythm on the greens, with several birdie chances going astray. Her fortunes briefly turned on the par-4 13th, where she holed out for eagle and followed it up with a birdie to move to 14-under.
However, a costly bogey on the 16th dashed her hopes for a third Epson Tour title. She managed to birdie the 17th but remained two strokes behind as Lin matched her birdie to fend off Lau’s challenge.
Meanwhile, fellow Filipina Dottie Ardina closed with a 71 to finish tied for 22nd with a 276 total.
Taiwan, Justin Quiban had a mixed showing at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club on Sunday.
After opening with an impressive 68 in tough conditions, the Filipino ace faltered in the final rounds, finishing tied for 31st with a 218 total. Quiban’s final round included a bright moment with an eagle on the par-5 sixth hole but was marred by four bogeys and a double bogey. He finished with a second consecutive 75.
Jbe Kruger emerged as the champion after carding a 69 for a 208 total, winning by two shots in a tournament shortened to 54 holes due to Typhoon Krathon. Pravit Tangkamolprasert and Jeunghun Wang finished tied for second at 210.