ANGELO Que went on an attack mode and got what he wanted – a bogey-free 65 for a two-strokes lead after the third round of the Manila Southwoods Championship on Thursday in Carmona, Cavite.
Que went aggressively for the pins at the Legends course, getting to 16-under 197.
“I really had a good round but it could have been a bigger lead had I holed in a couple more birdie tries. But it’s a good thing that I made great pars,” said Que.
A final-hole 65 could win it, according to Que.
“I have five guys at my back who are more than capable of catching up. All of them are playing good so I have to watch out,” said Que.
His closest pursuers are Justin Quiban and Christopher Hickman.
Quiban, a former amateur hotshot, shot an eagle on the par-5 14th to also card 65, rising from fourth to joint second at 199.
Hickman fired a 68.
“I think my chances are good despite going 2-down,” said Hickman. “I just have to stay patient and try to have many looks at birdies. I played my last six holes at 3-under and that’s a positive sign.”
First day leader Tim Stewart of Australia suffered a last-hole bogey to settle for 67 and solo fourth at 200.
Juvic Pagunsan was at 12-under 201 after a 68 built on a three straight birdies from No. 14.
The Negrense says it will be a tough climb, and that he may need to submit an eight-under card to get into contention.
“Given his (Que) caliber, I think a two-shot lead is enough cushion for him to win this,” said Pagunsan.
Clyde Mondilla birdied the last hole for a 69 but the reigning Philippine Open champion lay six strokes off Que at 203, while Thailand’s Chonlatit Chuenboonngam stands another shot back at 204 after a 67.
Zanieboy Gialon bounced back from a second round 73 with the day’s best 64, a bogey-free card that put him in joint eighth at 205 with American Lexus Keoninh, who fought back with four birdies in the last six holes to save a 69, and Macedonia’s Peter Stojanovski, who matched par 71.
Miguel Tabuena hit his stride after a 72 in the second round, shooting a 66 but stands nine strokes off the pace at 206 that could be too big a deficit to overcome with 18 holes left in the event backed by PLDT Enterprise, Meralco, BDO and Pin High.