Tabuena 5 shots adrift in Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines - Miguel Tabuena and Tony Lascuna carded identical one-under 71s to trail Thai Thitiphun Chuayprakong by five at the start of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship of the Asian Tour at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club in Taiwan yesterday.

Tabuena gunned down four birdies against three bogeys, including on No. 18 that dropped him to joint 16th with 12 others, including Lascuna, who birdied the last hole to salvage a 35-36 card.

Jay Bayron had a two-under card after 12 holes but bogeyed two of the last six to fall to a share of 29th at 72 while Angelo Que failed to get going and hobbled with a two-over 74.

Elmer Salvador struggled at the back with a 40 but recovered a bit at the front with a 35 to salvage a 75 while Mars Pucay bombed out with an 81.

Chuayprakong eagled No. 10 and hit seven birdies against three bogeys to shoot a six-under 66 and seize a one-stroke lead over Korean Kim Gi-whan while Aussie Sam Brazel fired a 68 to tie Indian Chiragh Kumar at third.

“My round was pretty good. I’m hitting the ball well. I didn’t make as many putts but I know my game is there,” said Tabuena chasing a breakthrough on the Asian Tour.