Ramos, Que mount brave charges but fade late as Ortolani reigns

MANILA, Philippines --  Sean Ramos mounted a spirited final-round charge and briefly thrust himself into serious contention, but costly late mistakes ultimately derailed his bid. 

This, as Italy’s Michele Ortolani captured the Philippine ADT Open crown at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac on Saturday.

Refusing to yield despite starting the day four shots behind, Ramos showcased the grit and composure that have marked his rise among the country’s brightest young stars. He methodically chipped away at the deficit with four birdies against a lone bogey through the first 12 holes, turning what seemed like a difficult pursuit into a genuine title challenge.

By the time he reached the closing stretch, Ramos had moved to within two shots of the lead and appeared poised to make a serious run at the championship. With several scoring opportunities still ahead, momentum seemed to be shifting in his favor.

But on a demanding day when every shot carried enormous weight, the closing holes proved unforgiving.

A costly bogey on No. 13 halted his surge, and while he battled to stay within striking distance, another dropped shot on the treacherous 17th effectively extinguished the title hopes he had carefully built throughout the afternoon.

He signed for a 71 and finished with a 277 aggregate to tie for fifth with Thailand’s Suttinon Panyo, who closed with a 68.

Though the result fell short of the championship he sought, Ramos emerged as the highest-finishing Filipino and reinforced his reputation as one of the country’s most promising talents, proving he can trade blows with some of the best players on the Asian Development Tour.

While Ramos was making his move, Ortolani produced the steady finish of a champion.

The Italian delivered clutch birdies on Nos. 11, 14 and 18 to post a 69 and secure the title with a 272 total.

His composed finish enabled him to fend off a determined challenge from Taiwan’s Su Ching Hung, who seized control midway through the final round before settling for a 68 and a 273 aggregate.

Third-round leader Galven Green of Malaysia struggled to maintain his overnight advantage. After opening with two bogeys on the front nine, Green rallied with three birdies over an eight-hole stretch from No. 9, only to stumble again with a bogey on No. 17. His even-par 72 left him tied for third at 274 with Argentina’s Franco Scorzato, who closed with a 69.

Angelo Que also ignited hopes of a local breakthrough with one of the most impressive runs of the day.

Displaying the shot-making brilliance that has defined his long career, Que birdied five times through the first 13 holes to climb rapidly up the leaderboard and move within three shots of the lead. For much of the round, he kept himself in the conversation and threatened to make a dramatic late charge.

But like Ramos, Que found the demanding Luisita layout unforgiving down the stretch. Bogeys on the two holes spoiled an otherwise superb round, forcing him to settle for a second straight 69 and a share of eighth place at 278.

Clyde Mondilla likewise produced a strong closing effort, firing a 68 highlighted by a late rally that lifted him into a tie for 11th at 280.

Although the local contingent ultimately failed to prevent the international challengers from claiming the top prizes in the inaugural tournament, Ramos and Que provided plenty of reasons for optimism. Their resilience, aggressive play and refusal to back down under pressure demonstrated that the country’s leading golfers can compete toe-to-toe with the region’s finest.

In the end, Ortolani claimed the trophy, but Ramos’ fearless pursuit and Que’s stirring charge ensured the home crowd had plenty to cheer, even if the elusive hometown victory remained just out of reach.