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.