TABUENA SHOWS GRIT AMID STRUGGLE AT SINGAPORE OPEN, CARDS A 70

MANILA, Philippines -- Miguel Tabuena may have slowed down with a two-under 70 on Saturday, slipping to a share of 18th place, but the Filipino ace remains firmly in contention for a strong finish in the $2-million Singapore Open as the field braces for a dramatic Sunday finale.

After staying at joint 11th through the first two rounds, Tabuena endured a mixed “Moving Day” performance, failing to mount a major charge yet managing to steady himself after an early stumble.

Despite an opening-hole mishap, he rebounded with three birdies en route to a 36-34 card for a 54-hole total of 10-under 206.

That left him five shots adrift of the leading trio of Jeunghun Wang, James Piot and Soomin Lee – each posting identical 201 totals – to set up a frenetic final-round shootout at the Singapore Island Country Club’s New Course.

But it won’t just be a three-man duel. Yosuke Asaji and Bio Kim lurk just one stroke back at 202, while Jazz Janewattananond, Kevin Yuan and Ian Snyman sit at 203 – each poised to pounce in what promises to be a tightly contested chase for the top prize of $360,000 in the penultimate International Series event on the Asian Tour calendar.

Wang, the opening-round leader, bounced back with a 67 to regain a share of the lead alongside Lee (69) and Piot (67), while Asaji caught fire with a 65. Kim’s 67, Janewattananond’s 68, and matching 69s from Yuan and Snyman further compressed the leaderboard heading into championship day.

Meanwhile, Angelo Que – who sparked hopes of a big weekend charge after a second-round 67 – stumbled with a 74 to slip to joint 55th at 212.

For Tabuena, Saturday was a test of patience and perseverance. Grappling with both his driver and putter, he hit just six greens in regulation and needed 31 putts – a stat line that would normally sink a player’s chances in such a high-caliber field.

Yet, true to form, the 31-year-old refused to fade.

After missing his first three fairways, Tabuena steadied the ship, scrambling to save pars and then picking up momentum with a birdie on the fourth. His round remained a roller coaster, but he showed flashes of his trademark tenacity with a birdie on the par-5 12th and a closing one on the 18th to cap his day with resilience and intent.

Still within striking distance, Tabuena is expected to mount a spirited final-round charge as he chases not only a strong Singapore finish but also seeks to sustain the momentum from his breakthrough International Series victory at home just two weeks ago.

More than just prize money or ranking points, Sunday offers a chance for Tabuena to reinforce his bid for a coveted spot in the LIV Golf League next season – a dream that has fueled his resurgence on tour.

Even when his swing falters and the putts refuse to drop, Tabuena’s composure and fighting heart continue to shine through – a testament to a player who has learned to thrive not only when his game is sharp, but when it is tested the most.

2025-11-08T12:31:22Z