Korean ace widens lead

CARMONA, Philippines — Not even a downpour could cool down Minhyuk Song’s hot hands.

A day after flirting with a break 60, Song turned in a five-under 65 – the second-lowest card of moving day – to move on the cusp of an unopposed victory ride in the 108th Philippine Open presented by the Philippine Sports Commission at the Masters Course of the Manila Southwoods yesterday.

Fresh from his staggering 60 in Day 2, the 22-year-old South Korean gunned down six birdies against a lone bogey to bring his total to 195 and widen his lead entering the championship round of the biggest national open in history with a $1-million purse.

Song, who matched par in the opener, is in striking position to claim his second Asian Tour win with a seven-stroke lead over his closest pursuer Sarit Suwannarut of Thailand at 202 after a 68.

Song’s compatriot Ham Jeongwoo sits eight shots behind at 203 after firing 66.

Suwannarut, whose double bogey on the 9th hurt his chances to trim the gap, leads a chase group that includes Filipino bets Justin Quiban, who’s at joint fourth at 204 after a third-round 65, and Sean Ramos, who shares sixth at 205 after submitting the day’s best score – a bogey-free 64.

The late surge of the local contingent, however, may not be enough heading into the final 18 holes with Song, the Rookie of the Year in the 2024 KPGA, confident of holding the fort.

“I’m a deep sleeper so I think I ‘m going to have a good sleep tonight,” beamed Song, who saved his best for last by birdying the dreaded par-5 18th. “This is the last tournament of the season so I want to win it to have a good campaign next year.”

Quiban, thanks to five birdies on the back nine to compensate for a bogey on the 15th hole, credited the weaker winds despite the drizzle in his comeback after an even-par in Round 2, promising to pour it all, hoping to earn a shot at Song.

“It’s part of the work. I’ll take it,” said Quiban.