MIGUEL Tabuena moved two strokes clear with a bogey-free seven-under 65 on Saturday in the weather-shortened Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Taipei.
Looking to erase the stigma of a playoff loss last year in the same event to Prom Meesawat, young Filipino pro Tabuena continued his fine play after an opening 68 in the Asian Tour event.
Tabuena hit four birdies on the front nine and three on the back for an 11-under 133 total in the tournament that has been reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather on Friday.
Tabuena is eager to make up for the heartbreaking loss last year, saying he has learned his lessons.
“I want to seek vengeance. Hopefully I can get it done tomorrow. I know I’m playing well at the moment. There are a few players behind me including Lin Wen-tang. But I’m not worried. If he can go low so can I,” Tabuena told the Asiantour.com.
“If I stick to my game plan and focus on myself and the course, then I can get it done. In the past when I was in the final group, I always played against the opponent and not the course but I’ve matured now and won’t make the same mistake,” he added.
The 21-year-old Tabuena moved from third to first, while Natipong Srithong also shot a 65 to move to a tie for second spot at 135 with first-round leader Lin Wen Tang, who carded a 68.
Tony Lascuna is the only Filipino playing in the final round after adding a 69 to his opening 70 for joint 11th at 139.
Marvin Dumandan shot a 69 but that was not enough to make up for his opening 76, missing the cut by one.
Three-time Asian Tour winner Angelo Que also fired a 69 and will not make it to the final round after a disastrous first-round 78.
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