MANILA, Philippines – Ramil Bisera and Richard Abaring fired identical 68s to assume the 1-2 posts after three rounds of the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club’s Aoki course in Cavite yesterday.
Bisera, who moved to joint third after a 73 in the second round of the four-day elims, leaned on a fiery backside 33 to spike his four-under card and wrest control at 216 heading to the final round of the event staking 50 berths for next year’s circuit.
In contrast, Abaring went on a birdie binge at the front, gunning down four and mixed three more birdies against three bogeys in the last nine holes to likewise shoot a 68 and join a faltering Danny Zarate, who wavered with a 75, at 218.
Artemio Murakami sustained his fightback from a poor 77 start with back-to-back 71s, taking solo fourth at 219 while Chris delos Santos also fired a 71 for fifth at 221 followed by Nelson Huerva (74-222), amateur Jobim Carlos (67-223), Al Cruz (68-223), Johvanie Abaño (71-223) and Belem Arancon (74-223).
Former Masters champion Rodrigo Cuello also bolstered his bid to get into the tour again as he matched par 72 for a 224 for joint 11th with Junro Mamaril, who made a 73, while halfway leader Gerald Rosales skied to a 78 after a 69 and slid to joint 13th at 225 with Henry Bolano, who carded a 75.
Only the top 40 players in the 2015 season, ruled by Miguel Tabuena, kept their Tour cards for next year’s circuit.
The top 50 players plus ties after today’s round will earn cards for next year’s circuit sponsored by ICTSI. The next 10 players will be included in Category 9 for reserve status.
Meanwhile, the Q-School for foreign players will be held Feb. 3-6 at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan. For details, visit www.pgt.ph.