Tabuena loses to Thai in playoff

MANILA, Philippines - Miguel Tabuena lost to Thai Ratanon Whannasrichan in a playoff for the boys 13-14 years crown for the Philippines’ best individual finish in the 30th Asia-Pacific junior golf championships at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Putting woes cost Tabuena’s bid for his first Asian title as the International School standout three-putted the playoff hole for bogey and also lapsed with a similar miscue on the 17th hole of regulation play.

Ratanon buried a downhill five-footer for par on the playoff hole for the victory. He and Miguel finished tied at two-over 290 with Miguel, who led by one after three rounds, scoring a one-over-par 73 and Ratanon carding a 72.

Banking on Tabuena’s sterling play, Team Philippines also placed second behind Thailand also counting the 74 of Jobim Carlos and the 75 of Bino dela Paz.

Until his putting failed him down the stretch, Tabuena was also fighting for the overall individual title against the older players in Class A.

“Miguel showed a big fighting heart in this competition and it’s a good sign for his coming events. We can’t ask for more from the other members of the team, they tried their very best,” said Philippine delegation head Gerry Handog.

Meanwhile, the Jungolf summer circuit resumes today with the penultimate leg starting today at the Tat Filipinas course in San Pedro, Laguna.

The summer circuit organized by the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines is also supported by Philippine Airlines, Diamond Motors Corp., Club Marinduque, Unilever, Ottica Corp.,/Fury, Callaway/ Electrobus, Goin Straight, Coca-Cola/Powerade, Golf Depot and Aces Agri Manufacturing Corp.