France's Sale makes history with gritty Philippine Open victory

CARMONA, Cavite – Julien Sale became the first Frenchman to win the Philippine Open, delivering a composed and determined performance that demonstrated the character needed to secure major championships.

Despite a late stumble, Sale’s closing bogey couldn’t overshadow his electrifying round of 65 at the Manila Southwoods’ Masters course. His total score of 11-under 269 edged out frontrunners Sadom Kaewkanjana and Tomoyo Ikemura by one stroke on Sunday, solidifying his place in history.

Kaewkanjana, the early leader of the $500,000 championship, put up a strong fight with five birdies. However, a costly double bogey on the sixth hole hindered his chances, leaving him with a final-round 67.

Ikemura, who led after the third round, played a clean bogey-free round, but his two-birdie 68 wasn’t enough to match Sale’s fiery start. He and Kaewkanjana finished tied for second at 10-under 270.

Kevin Yuan carded a steady 68 for a solo fourth place at 272.

The battle for Asia’s oldest national championship came down to the wire, with a constantly shifting leaderboard. Local talents Aidric Chan, Justin Quiban and Miguel Tabuena also had moments of contention but ultimately ran out of opportunities to challenge Sale’s lead.

Tabuena closed with back-to-back birdies for a 66, tying for fifth with Poom Saksansin (67) and Ian Snyman (68) at seven-under 273. After narrowly making the cut, the two-time Philippine Open champion’s comeback included a third-round 65 and a final push with birdies on three of the first nine holes.

A bogey on the 10th and missed opportunities slowed his momentum, but his strong finish ensured a Top 5 showing.

Chan also surged into contention with four birdies in the first eight holes, including three consecutive birdies from the sixth.

However, like Tabuena, he faltered on the 10th.

He rebounded with a birdie on the 13th and capped his round with another birdie on the 18th for a 66, finishing tied for eighth at 274.

Quiban’s early birdies raised hopes of a rally, but a double bogey on the challenging ninth hole and a mixed back nine relegated him to a 70 and a tie for 18th at 276.

Other notable Filipino performances included Sean Ramos (69, tied 24th at 277) and Justin delos Santos, who rallied with a 67 to finish tied for 43rd at 281. LJ Go and Rupert Zaragosa posted 70s for 282, sharing 47th, while amateur Shinichi Suzuki took the low amateur honors with a 286 and a share of 62nd.

Carl Corpus struggled in the final round, limping to a 77 for a 289 total.

Sale, tied for third entering the final round, seized control early with birdies on Nos. 3 and 6. He surged further ahead with a blistering three-birdie streak to start the back nine. A bogey on the 13th momentarily slowed his momentum, but birdies on Nos. 14 and 16 secured his victory.

The Frenchman claimed the championship and its $90,000 prize, while Kaewkanjana and Ikemura shared the runner-up purse of $43,250 each.

Kaewkanjana mounted a late charge with three birdies in his final 10 holes, including one on the last, but Sale’s early lead proved insurmountable.

In the end, Sale’s remarkable composure and brilliant start proved decisive, marking a historic moment in the revival of the Philippine Open.