Tabuena one shot off pace

MANILA, Philippines – Miguel Tabuena failed to check a rollercoaster windup and settled for a one-under 70, dropping to joint fifth, one stroke behind Korean Jeunghun Wang and three others at the start of the World Classic Championship at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club in Singapore yesterday.

The young Filipino ace birdied two of the first four holes at the back where he teed off but went on a bogey-birdie-bogey-birdie-bogey finish under tough playing conditions at the hazard-laden par-71 layout and missed joining Wang, Aussies Scott Barr and Sam Brazel and Thai Natipoing Srithong, who all shot 69s, in the lead.

But while Tabuena, winner of the Order of Merit title back home, stayed in early contention, the other Pinoy bets floundered with Charles Hong and Marvin Dumandan fumbling with 74s, Tony Lascuña limping with a 75 and Elmer Salvador signing in with a 76.