Tabuena, Quiban wage battle at International Series India

MANILA, Philippines — Miguel Tabuena is determined to carry the momentum from his strong Philippine Open comeback into the International Series India, where he and fellow Filipino golfer Justin Quiban will take on a more formidable field.

The $2-million tournament tees off on Thursday, January 30, at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon, drawing some of the world’s top golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau, Joaquin Niemann, John Catlin, Richard Lee, Suteepat Prateeptienchai, Harold Varner III, Cameron Tringale, Paul Casey and Anirban Lahiri.

Set on a challenging 7,425-yard course, the event serves as the kickoff leg of this year’s International Series — a crucial pathway to the lucrative LIV Golf League. Both Tabuena and Quiban are keen on making a strong start, with aspirations of contending for the championship.

Tabuena showcased remarkable resilience at the Philippine Open, rebounding from a tough opening-round 74 with three stellar rounds of 68-65-66. His determined charge up the leaderboard earned him a share of fifth place, proving his ability to recover under pressure.

Quiban, meanwhile, finished tied for 16th, unable to mount a final-round push after closing with a 70. However, his consistent all-around game makes him a strong contender for a breakthrough international victory.

Returning to familiar territory, Tabuena will look to replicate his success in India, where he captured the 2023 DGC Open title with a thrilling come-from-behind win.

Quiban, eager for his first big international triumph, remains focused on capitalizing on his steady performances.

The duo faces an intense opening round: Quiban will tee off at 8:05 a.m. from the first hole alongside Japan’s Tatsunori Shogenji and Thailand’s Danthai Boonma, while Tabuena starts his campaign at 7:25 a.m. from the 10th hole, paired with MJ Maguire and Jazz Janewattananond.

Focus, however, will be on DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion, whose power and experience make him the player to beat. He headlines a marquee grouping alongside Niemann and Catlin, with their 12:05 p.m. tee time at the first hole expected to draw a significant crowd.

With a deep field and high stakes, the International Series India promises a thrilling four-day battle, as Tabuena and Quiban aim to make their mark on the global stage.