Juvic joint third in Asian International

MANILA, Philippines -- Juvic Pagunsan fired three birdies at the backside and closed out with a three-under par 68 for an impressive joint third place finish in the Asian Tour International ruled by James Kamte of South Africa in Thailand yesterday.

It was an inspiring stint by Pagunsan at the start of the Asian Tour season after coming off a so-so campaign last year.

The top Filipino shotmaker earned $13,890 for tying Australians Marcus Both (68) and Unho Park (71) and Prom Meesawat of Thailand (66) at 13-under 271 at the par-71 Suwan Golf and Country Club.

Pagunsan, who put himself into contention with a solid 65 in the third round, had two bogeys and two birdies after nine holes but birdied Nos. 11, 13 and 16 to gain a Top 5 finish in the $300,000 event. He stood three shots off Kamte’s 268 worth $47,550.

Tetsuji Heratsuka of Japan, the third round leader, yielded the lead early with bogeys in the first two holes, needing to fire two birdies at the back to gain second place with a 270 worth $32,550.

Frankie Miñoza struggled in the early going with three birdies against four bogeys but fought back with two birdies at the back for a 70. He finished tied for 25th with four others and took home $2,880.

Angelo Que, the reigning Philippine Open champion, shot a bogey-free 68 and gained a share of 43rd at 281 worth $1,590.