RP six shots adrift; jungolfers up by 19

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines fell farther back in the Putra Cup despite a three-under 69 from youthful Miguel Tabuena but the juniors team virtually wrapped up the Lion City Cup crown with a whopping 19-stroke lead in the rain-delayed third day at the Royal Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday.

The RP ladies also failed to sustain their charge and lost the lead they momentarily held at the backside, finishing with a 222 for a 670 and dropping four strokes behind Thailand, which had a 666 after a 211.

Tabuena, 15, showed up his more experienced teammates with that 69 as Jhonnel Ababa and Mhark Fernando settled for 73 and 74, respectively, at the wet and soggy par-72 layout. Jerson Balasabas didn’t count for the second time in three days with a 77.

Fernando, meanwhile, tied Thai Poom Saksansin in the individual race with 216s.

With an even 216, Team RP pooled a 654 total, six off Thailand heading into the final 18 holes.

The defending champion Thais, who rallied from six strokes behind to grab a one-shot lead from the Filipinos in the second round, pressed their bid with a five-under 211 for a 648.

Indonesia moved up to third with a 671 after a 217.

The juniors squad, however, primed itself up for a big finish after placing fifth in the Santi Cup last year as it assembled a 215 for a 662, 19 strokes ahead of Thailand (217), Singapore (223) and Malaysia (224), which all totaled 681s.

Jobim Carlos led the attack with a two-under 70 while reigning national champion Clyde Mondilla matched par 72 and Andres Saldana counted for the second straight day with a 73. Mondilla’s 220 total also moved within one off Natinpoing Srithong (219) of Thailand in the individual derby.

Indonesia is in fifth with a 689 after a 228 followed by Hong Kong (240-711) and Myanmar (246-728).

Andie Unson continued to carry the cudgels for the ICTSI-backed RP ladies with a 72 with Dottie Ardina turning in a 74 and reigning national champion Irina Gabasa adding a 76 for a 222 and a 670.

Unson (220) also closed within one shot off Thai Yupaporn Kawinpakorn (219) in the individual competition.