The Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena fashioned out a shared 26th finish during the recent Mandiri Indonesia Open won by Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong at Pondok Indah Golf Course recently.
The No. 2 in the Asian Tour Order of Merit sizzled with a 68 on the final round to assemble a 10-under 278 total — eight shots off Thippong — and take away cash prize of $5,467.
Tabuena last won in March during the DCG Open held in India. He opened the competition with a 69 before logging 70-71 in the second and third round, respectively.
Angelo Que wound up tied for 58th after a 285 total worth $1,825, while Lloyd Go was tied for 61st with 287 worth $1,700.
Thippong prevailed after a gripping finish, confirming he has recaptured the kind of form that established him as one of the region’s most exciting young golfers last year. He bagged $90,000.
Having started the day with a comfortable five-shot margin, he was pushed all the way to the finish line, closing with an even-par 72, for an 18-under-par total, and a two-stroke triumph over Australian Scott Hend, Steve Lewton from England and Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po, who all carded 68s.
Hend, chasing his 11th win on the Asian Tour and first in four years, came closest to catching him but, playing in the group ahead, hit his tee shot on the par-five 18th out of bounds and made a costly double bogey.
Nitithorn had appeared to be in complete control at the turn after two birdies and no dropped shots on the outward half to open a substantial lead on 20 under but dropped shots on 12 and 13 to give hope to his three nearest challengers.
