Hernandez, Suzuki fuel Philippine rally

MANILA, Philippines — Jet Hernandez and Shin Suzuki put up a big fight, combining for a six-under 138 yesterday as the Philippines slashed Hong Kong’s lead to just five strokes after three rounds of the Nomura Cup at the Bayhood No. 9 International Golf Club in China.

Hernandez spearheaded the charge with a four-under 68 and Suzuki added a gutsy 70 – the day’s second-best team effort that trimmed what was a 10-stroke deficit entering the day.

Hong Kong wobbled with a 143 to stay on top at 421, Japan knocked on the door with a 139 for 423, and the Philippines surged to 426 for third, with a realistic backdoor shot at the crown.

Hernandez finally showed the form that carried him to a runaway win in the recent National Stroke Play at home, snapping rounds of 73-74 with six birdies against two bogeys.

The surge vaulted him to sixth in the individual race at 215, just three off joint leaders Kaito Sato of Japan and Markus Lam of Hong Kong at 212.

Suzuki, the reigning Match Play champion, climbed to ninth at 217 after birdies on Nos. 4 and 7, a bogey on the eighth and a double on the 10th, then a strong closing kick.