Open win big boost to Tabuena’s Rio quest

MANILA, Philippines – Newly-crowned Philippine Open champion Miguel Tabuena seeks to make the most out of his breakthrough triumph on the Asian Tour, including the possibility of carrying the country’s colors in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“With this win, I’ll get into all events next year, tournaments with bigger prize money. I look forward to it and I hope to give the same (strong)  showing in every tournament,” said Tabuena.

The 21-year-old ace won the $300,000 Asian Tour event by one shot over Australian Scott Barr last Sunday, joining the ranks of legendary winners of the region’s oldest and the country’s premier National Open.

Tabuena’s triumph earned him a one-year exemption and set himself up for stints in the big-moneyed tournaments such as the $3-million Malaysian Open in February.

The feat also bolstered Tabuena’s bid to qualify for the 60-man field in Rio. The qualifiers will be drawn from the International Golf Federation Olympic Rankings by July 2016. As of Dec. 15 and not counting his Philippine Open victory, Tabuena hovered near No. 60. Angelo Que, who stands at 49th, is in the safe zone in the men’s division while Jennifer Rosaels (57th) is eligible in the distaff side.

“We hope that Miguel Tabuena, with his victory in the Philippine Open, would go up the rankings,” said Philippine Olympic Committee vice president and Rio chef de mission Joey Romasanta.

“The Olympics? That sounds good! I was the second ranked Filipino on the Official World Golf Ranking before this week so hopefully that changes after this win,” Tabuena said.

“I never actually imagined playing in the Olympics before but now that golf will be held in Rio, I want to play there and compete for the country,” added Tabuena.