CARMONA, Cavite — Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the $500,000 Smart Infinity Philippine Open after carding a three-under-par 67 on Saturday at Manila Southwoods.
Despite a few hiccups in his round, including a double bogey and a dropped shot on the back nine, Ikemura’s closing birdie on the 18th hole gave him a 54-hole total of 202, keeping him ahead of the pack.
Ikemura appeared to be cruising after an impressive start, with five birdies in his first 11 holes, reaching 10-under-par by the 10th hole.
However, a wet three-putt double bogey on the 12th hole, followed by another dropped shot on the 15th, left the two-time Japan Tour winner needing a strong finish to maintain his lead.
“I will just try to find more fairways tomorrow and hopefully putt as well,” Ikemura said through an interpreter, eyeing his first win on the Asian Tour. “I had some unlucky bounces today. I hope to be lucky tomorrow and win my first Asian Tour event.”
Ikemura’s closest competitors include Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, who is two shots behind, and Filipino golfers Justin Quiban and Miguel Tabuena, who trail by four and three strokes, respectively.
Kaewkanjana, who led after the first two rounds, faced a difficult start on Saturday, struggling to a five-over-par front nine. However, the two-time Asian Tour winner showed resilience, finishing strong with birdies on the 17th and 18th to shoot a 72 and post a 203 total.
Another Thai player, Danthai Boonma, surged into contention with a course-record 62, which featured eight birdies, putting him in third place with a 204 total. Boonma’s remarkable round vaulted him ahead of the group that includes Quiban and Tabuena.
Quiban, who had a solid second round with an eagle and a 64, faced more challenges on Saturday. He admitted he struggled to find his rhythm on the front nine but battled back to shoot a 69. With a total of 206, Quiban remains optimistic about his chances on Sunday.
Tabuena, who shot a 65 on Saturday, showcased his potential with a stellar finish, birdieing his last four holes. The 30-year-old, who has a history of strong comebacks, is just three shots off the lead with a 203 total.
Filipino golfers Aidric Chan and Sean Ramis also remain in the mix, though both will need a strong final round to challenge for the title. Chan posted a 69 to sit at 207, while Ramis shot a 70 to finish the day six shots off the pace.