2 weeks ago
11
The Philippine Star
February 26, 2025 | 12:00am
LUBAO, Pampanga, Philippines — Angelo Que battled fierce winds that swept through the Pinatubo course yesterday, grinding out a 71 to preserve his three-stroke lead over Carl Corpus and Keanu Jahns midway through the P2.5 million ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship.
After a scorching start at the back nine, Que faced stiff mid-morning gusts, battling through back-to-back bogeys to save a 39-32 card and keep the lead with a five-under 139.
The three-time Asian Tour winner extended his overnight lead to five or six early during the round, riding on a three-birdie spree on Nos. 10, 16 and 17. However, as the wind intensified, the course became increasingly difficult, forcing Que to scramble through a tough frontside finish.
He bogeyed Nos. 1 and 2 but regained his composure with a steady run of pars to stay at the helm of the kickoff leg of the 10-stage circuit put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
“It was really windy, much stronger than the first round, and the pin positions were a lot tougher,” said Que, winner of the Philippine Masters last year.
The blustery conditions enabled challengers to close the gap, though Corpus and Jahns managed 71s for the second consecutive day, settling at 142 for a share of second place.
Aidric Chan turned in a 71 to force a tie at fourth at 146 with former Q-School topnotcher Toru Nakajima (74) and this year’s low medalist Jaehyun Jung (75) with Guido van der Valk (73) closely behind at 147.
Meanwhile, Tiffany Lee, with a second straight 71, caught up with overnight leader Daniella Uy, who faltered with a 74, setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable final round of the P1 million championship.
Lee and Uy shared the lead with 142s.
But the chase for the top P108,000 purse is far from being a two-player duel. Seoyun Kim stormed into contention with the day’s best 70, moving just one stroke off the pace at 143.
