Pagunsan closes in on leader

Juvic Pagunsan and Frankie Miñoza came through in the third round of the Asian Tour International yesterday and moved within striking distance with one round left at the par-71 Suwan Golf and Country Club in Thailand.

From a 71 the previous day, Pagunsan turned in a 65 that pushed him into a share of fifth with Ted Oh of South Korea and first-round leader Marcus Both of Australia at 203, just four shots behind leader Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan (67-199).

Miñoza, who also had a 71 last Friday, had a 68 and stood tied with three others for 26th place at 208.

Angelo Que, the other Filipino who made the cut, kissed his hopes goodbye with a 75. He is now tied for 60th place, even at 213.

In second place at 200 after a 66 is Australia’s Unho Park followed by South Africa’s James Kamte and India’s Rahil Gangjee who both fired a 68 for 202, just a stroke ahead of Pagunsan.

Antonio Lascuña and Mars Pucay failed to make the cut with their two-round scores of 143 and 144, respectively. The cut was pegged at 141.