Carlos firms up Asian Tour drive, cards 70

MANILA, Philippines – Jobim Carlos moved closer to a dream Asian Tour stint despite a faltering finish, settling for a one-under 70 for joint 11th after three rounds of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage now paced by Indian S. Chikkarangappa at the Springfield Royal Country Club in Hua Hin, Thailand yesterday.

Carlos actually headed for the top 10 with a three-under card after 14 holes but bogeyed two of the last four, including the par-5 18th, to end up with a pair of 35s.

Still, his 54-hole total of 207 kept the Filipino ace on track for a spot in this year’s Asian Tour heading for the final 18 holes of the 72-hole qualifiers.

Jay Bayron also lined himself up for another stint on the region’s premier circuit, rallying with a five-under 66 to move to joint 19th at 209 but Michael Bibat and Orlan Sumcad floundered with 73 and 74, respectively.

Bibat dropped to a share of 87th at 215 while Sumcad fell to a share of 104th at 217.

Only the top 40 plus ties will earn cards for this year’s Asian Tour firing off in Singapore for the $1 million Singapore Open.