RP Cuppers remain at helm

CHONBURI, Thailand – The Philippines moved in the threshold of regaining the Putra Cup crown as it matched arch rival Thailand’s 218 output in the third round yesterday to keep a two-stroke lead at the Chonburi Golf and Country Club course here.

Cookie La’O took over for the Filipinos when ailing top gun Angelo Que lost his touch and shot an 85 as he fired a two-under par 70 while Gerard Cantada and Solomon Gines backed him up with 73 and 75, respectively for that 218 aggregate.

The Philippines, whose stint here is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission and under the auspices of the National Golf Association of the Philippines, took the lead in the second round with a 219 and maintained it with a 654 aggregate with one round to play.

The Filipinos are bidding to bounce back from their worst finish in this event last year when they placed fifth in Singapore after winning the 1996-97 titles.

Prom Meesawat sizzled with a 68 to lead the Thais 218 output and a total of 656.