Big finish puts Que 1 shot up

MANILA, Philippines - Angelo Que charged to the lead behind a blazing windup, firing a three-under 68 and wresting a one-shot lead over compatriot Juvic Pagunsan and Englishman Chris Rodgers in the third round of the weather-delayed Selangor Masters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday.

While the erstwhile leaders wavered at the tough backside of the par-71 Seri Selangor Golf Club, Que frolicked with a cluster of birdies – four in the first five holes – at resumption of play due to a one-hour and 40-minute delay caused by thunderstorm as he rebounded from a one-over 37 card with a finishing 31 for that 68.

The two-time Asian Tour winner thus jumped from joint seventh to the solo lead with a five-under 208, moving 18 holes away from ending a long title drought on the region’s premier circuit.

Que last won on the tour in 2008 when he ruled the Philippine Open at Wack Wack. He actually opened the season with a local victory in The Country Club but has groped for form the last few months.

In fact, he had to take 10-day break from competitive golf for a yoga retreat and a new fitness and diet regimen to ensure he’d be in superb condition for the packed second half schedule of the Asian Tour.

The 31-year-old Que has been struggling with blisters on both feet all week but came through with that four birdie binge over a five-hole stretch to pull clear of the field.

He credited a hot putter for his lead. “I was just happy with the way I putted. I’ve been putting well the past few days and hopefully I can keep it up. Putting is my weakness and I’ve worked on it and it’s worked so far,” said Que, who needed only 23 putts.

Pagunsan, third in last week’s Brunei Open, could’ve taken the lead with a six-under total after No. 12 but he fumbled with three bogeys in the next five holes, needing to birdie the 18th to stay in the title race.

He had a 69, highlighted by a second straight eagle on the reachable par-5 No. 5 for a 209, matching Rodgers’ two-under card.

Bayron, meanwhile, also remained in the hunt for a maiden victory on the circuit, carding a 70 and tieing Thai Chawalit Plaphol, shooting a 69, in fourth at 210.

Que, Pagunsan and Bayron’s solid showing marked the first time in a long, long while that three RP bets are in the top four spots heading into the final round of an Asian Tour event, underscoring the Filipinos’ talent and skills honed up by the revival of the pro circuit back home.

Plaphol missed tieing Que at the helm with a double-bogey mishap on the 18th while compatriot Namchoak Tantipokakul also made a double-bogey on No. 16 and finished with a 71 for 210s.