MARVIN Dumandan got past erstwhile leader Justin Quiban with a 72 in the third round of the ICTSI South Pacific Classic in Davao on Thursday.
The Riviera pro had a quiet one-birdie, one-bogey card for a seven-under 209 total after earlier rounds of 69-68.
See Yvon Bisera tops South Pacific Classic for maiden LPGT title
Quiban had a 75 and wound up in a tie for second at 210 with local bet Elee Bisera, who fired a 70.
“I’ve never been in the lead after scoring a win in the 2009 Apo Classic,” said Dumandan.
“I missed being on top and I hope it continues,” added the big-hitting shotmaker, saying he’ll be stepping on the first tee on Friday without any pressure.
“There’s no reason to get pressured. I just missed this spot.”
Cebu-based Japanese Gen Nagai likewise gave himself a shot for a maiden win with a second straight 70 he spiked with a second straight eagle on the par-5 No. 2. He was tied with Nilo Salahog, who floundered with a 76, at 211.
Salahog also hit an eagle on No. 12 but made five bogeys at the back for a 37-39 that came after back-to-back sterling rounds of 67-68.
Defending champion Tony Lascuña limped with three bogeys in the last nine holes and ended up with a 72 for joint sixth at 212 with Keanu Jahns, who carded a 71, and Forest Hills and Del Monte winner Clyde Mondilla, who rallied with a 69.
Elmer Salvador shot a 71 to tie Rupert Zaragosa, who slipped with a 75, at 213.
Lloyd Go turned in the day’s best 68 to gain a share of 11th at 214 with Sean Ramos, who carded a 70, Jhonnel Ababa, who put in a 71, and Dino Villanueva, who made a 73.
“I was driving well at the start and hitting my irons somewhat good but they’re just not reaching for some reason. I don’t know why,” said Quiban.
“I was leaving myself 10-15 yards short and I was just three-putting all day,” added Quiban, still in position to cap a fine two-week campaign following a third-place effort at Del Monte last week.
“I was actually not pressured at all, confident even. But I couldn’t putt, I couldn’t play properly,” said Quiban. “Pin placements were also a big factor. Even though they cut it (greens), it’s very hard to see where it’s (putt) going. And if you can’t putt confidently, you basically can’t score.”
Dumandan also barely bucked the tough pin placements, saying: “You need to be accurate. Sobrang hirap. If you miss the greens, mahirap maka-recover, which is the most difficult challenge here. Kaya pag naka one-putt ka, bonus na yun,” said Dumandan.
The long-hitting Bisera also groped for form on a course he calls home, hitting just six greens. But he birdied all but one of the four-par-5s after reaching them in two.
“This is my first time to get a shot at the title. I need to control the pressure that comes with it and I hope to do better on my short game and putting,” said Bisera, seeking to complete a family romp after niece Florence dominated the 54-hole ladies
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