Michele Ortolani held firm under pressure in the closing holes on Saturday, snapping a long international title drought by winning the $100,000 BingoPlus Philippine ADT Open by one stroke over a charging Su Chinghung at the Luisita layout.
The 29-year-old Italian sank a crucial birdie on the par-5 16th to cap a three-under-par 69, finishing at 272 (16-under) on a demanding, tree-lined course that tested the entire field throughout the week. Despite the intense competition, Sean Ramos and Angelo Que emerged as the top local finishers among 46 Filipinos in the field.
“I’m still a little bit speechless. I’m still in the process (of absorbing) that my name is on top (of the leaderboard),” Ortolani, who began the day one shot behind overnight leader Galven Green, said. “It’s been 10 years since I won internationally…so this is obviously an unforgettable week for me.”
Ortolani turned in an even-par front nine before catching fire on the back nine, where he collected three birdies in a seven-hole stretch. The decisive strike on 16 gave him enough cushion as Su made late gains with birdies on 15 and 16 in an earlier group. Su finished with a 68 for a 273 total, one shot ahead of Green and Scorzato, who carded 69 and 72, respectively.
Sean Ramos closed with a 71 to finish in a three-way tie for fifth at 277 alongside Suttinon Panyo and opening-round leader Thomas Plumb. The 22-year-old Ramos also secured a spot in the $2 million (around P120 million) International Series Philippine Open at Masters of Manila Southwoods this November.
“I felt confident at the start and just got cold again in the middle (of the round),” Ramos said after briefly moving within a shot of the lead following his fourth birdie on the 12th. “I was really having trouble making putts since Day 1. But I am still happy with the way I played.”
Meanwhile, veteran Angelo Que, who finished a stroke behind after a second straight 69, has already secured an International Series berth. That opened the door for former Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla to claim the second local qualifying spot after closing with a 68 for a 280 total.
“I was already driving home when I learned of it,” Mondilla said.
Galven Green, who surged into the 54-hole lead with a 64 on Friday, closed with an even-par 72. Suttinon Panyo posted a 68 to join Ramos at 11-under.
The Philippine Open will return to the world-class Carmona layout for the second straight year, with Frenchman Julien Sale as the defending champion.
