Kasiadi foils Bayron, 2 others for Indonesia title

MANILA, Philippines - Indonesian Benny Kasiadi recovered from a disastrous homeward stint with a two-putt birdie on the final hole for a one-over 73, nipping Rufino Bayron and Miko Alejandro of ICTSI team and Calatagan’s Jerson Balasabas by one stroke to capture the Indonesia Amateur Golf Invitational crown at the Imperial Golf Club in Indonesia late Friday.

Kasiadi, who led Antonio Asistio by two strokes at the start of the final round, nearly blew a five-shot lead after nine holes as he bogeyed four of the first six holes at the back, enabling Bayron, three shots adrift after three rounds, to draw level heading to the par-5 18th.

But the Filipino bet pushed his drive into the hazard and scrambled for par for a 71 while Kasiadi hit a good drive and a solid 3-wood shot from 250 yards to within eight feet, barely missing an eagle putt for the one-shot victory.

The Indonesian finished with a 288 total, edging Bayron who settled for 289, the same output assembled by Alejandro, who had a 69, and Balasabas, who rallied with a 68.

Asistio, who led in the first round with a 69, failed to regain his rhythm after a poor start and limped home with a 74, finishing with a 291 while Peter Villaber had a 299 after a 79. Albin Engino wound up with a 300 after a 77 while Dante Becierra also made a 77 for a 304.