Korean solidifies lead with birdie binge

SILANG, Cavite, Philippines – Korean teener Wang Jeung Hun birdied three straight holes from No. 15 in a repeat of his second day romp to scuttle Jobim Carlos’ charge and virtually lock up his claim on the Philippine Amateur Open golf crown with a 72 in the third round at the Riviera Golf and Country Club’s Langer course here yesterday.

Wang’s late round birdies saved what could’ve been a disastrous round for the club bet, whose three-birdie string from No. 15 anchored his solid three-under 68 that gave him a nine-stroke lead over Carlos Wednesday.

With a 54-hole aggregate of 214, Wang stayed eight shots clear of the Filipino ace, who battled back to within three in one stretch but had to settle for a 71 and a 222.

Five strokes farther back at 227 was John Kier Abdon, who carded a 74, while another Korean, Sung Hwan Yoon, stood at 228 after a 71 and Gio Gandionco and Art Arbole had 234s after an 81 and a 75, respectively.

Chihiro Ikeda also threatened to dominate the ladies side of the event conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils. and presented by Pancake House and SOC Land as she fired a one-under 70 to post a seven-shot lead over ICTSI teammate Dottie Ardina.

Ikeda, the reigning Philippine Ladies Amateur Open and Southern Ladies champion, made three birdies against a bogey to turn in a solid round after opening with a three-over 74 late Wednesday.

“It’s hard to tell (my chance) with the tough conditions here,” said Ikeda. “But for sure, I will do my best to keep my score low in the final day.”

Ardina, the Queen Sirikit Cup individual champion, rallied with two late birdies but still shot a two-over 74 for a 151 while Thailand’s Pavarisa Yoktuan aced the par-3 fourth hole from 159 yards using a Fourteen 9-iron for a 73 and a 153.

Carlos pressed his bid with a fiery 33 at the front to move within three as Wang made the turn at 39.

But after saving pars on Nos. 10 and 13, Wang came through with that birdie binge to hold off Carlos, who fumbled with back-to-back bogeys from No. 13, enabling the Korean to pull away again.

“I had my chances but he’s really good,” said Carlos. “There’s no other choice but to be on attack mode tomorrow (today) and try to be more aggressive.”