Teenage star Miguel Tabuena outduelled veteran Jay Bayron, firing a 70 to win the Eastridge Classic by three strokes on Friday in Binangonan, Rizal.
It was the second title in five legs for the 17-year-old Tabuena, who won the Philippine Golf Tour’s opening leg at Splendido in Taal.
Co-leader after the second round, Tabuena finished at eight-under 208 in the 54-hole tournament to bag the P200,000 top prize.
The two-under round was enough to create a gap between him and overnight co-leader Jay Bayron who again suffered a woeful collapse after playing well in the first two days.
Hoping to make amends after losing a five-stroke lead in the final round at Eagle Ridge two weeks ago, Bayron hobbled with a 38 after nine holes and limped home with a 73, joining Sherwood Hills winner Elmer Salvador, Eagle Ridge champion Tony Lascuna and three-time Asian Tour winner Angelo Que in second place at 211.
Salvador had a closing 68, while Lascuna and Que both scored 69. They each pocketed P68,666.
John Hay leg winner Marvin Dumandan shot a 71 and finished alone in sixth at 214, while Charles Hong fired a 69 and tied last year’s champion Juvic Pagunsan, who matched par 72, for seventh place at 215.
First round co-leader Mars Pucay carded a 74 and ended up tied for ninth with Orlan Sumcad (71), Michael Bibat (72) and Rufino Bayron (73) at 216.
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