Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura birdied his final hole on Saturday to card a three-under-par 67, securing a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the $500,000 Smart Infinity Philippine Open at the Masters of Manila Southwoods in Carmona, Cavite.
Two Filipinos remain in the mix, keeping their slim chances alive after contrasting performances in the third round.
The two-time Japan Tour winner appeared poised for a commanding lead after going five-under through his first 11 holes. He reached 10-under-par while becoming the first player to hit double digits under par in the tournament.
However, a double bogey on the 12th — where he found water and three-putted, followed by another dropped shot on the 15th — trimmed his advantage. A closing birdie left Ikemura with a 54-hole total of 202.
“I will just try to find more fairways (in the final round) and hopefully putt well,” Ikemura said through an interpreter when asked about his game plan.
He faces a strong challenge from Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, plus six others who are two shots behind. Then there are local bets Justin Quiban and Miguel Tabuena, who trail by four and three shots, respectively.
“I had some unlucky bounces today,” Ikemura added. “I hope to be lucky (on Sunday) and win my first Asian Tour event.”
Kaewkanjana, the Thai standout who led after the first two rounds, showed resilience after a rough start.
The two-time Asian Tour champion was five-over-par through his first nine holes but recovered with birdies on his final two holes. He finished with a 72 for a 203 total.
Another Thai, Danthai Boonma, electrified the course with a record-breaking 62, featuring eight birdies, to join the pack at 204.
Meanwhile, Quiban fought hard after a shaky start, finishing with a 69 to sit at 206.
“I couldn’t hit it in the center of the face for most of the front nine,” said the 28-year-old, who birdied two of his last three holes. “I just fought it out and started hitting (the driver) better.”
Quiban’s round contrasted sharply with his second-round performance, where he cruised to an eagle-spiked 64. Despite the struggles, he remains optimistic about his chances heading into the final day.
Tabuena, 30, also showed his mettle, birdieing his final four holes to card a sizzling 65 and keep his hopes alive.
“Definitely,” Tabuena said when asked if his five-shot deficit was still manageable.
“I just need a good start (in the final round) and see where I stand after about eight holes.”
Tabuena is no stranger to dramatic comebacks. He staged a similar rally to claim his third Asian Tour title in late 2023 in India, erasing a five-shot deficit with a closing seven-under-par 65 to win by one.
Local players Aidric Chan and Sean Ramos also remain in the hunt, shooting rounds of 69 and 70, respectively, to end the day six shots behind the leader.
As the Philippine Open reaches its climax, the stage is set for a thrilling finale, with Ikemura aiming for his maiden Asian Tour win and the local hopefuls eager to give the home crowd something to cheer about.
