Last-hole birdie shoves Lascuña ahead in TCC Invitational

STA. ROSA, Laguna, Philippines — Tony Lascuña took charge in a gripping turn of events in another punishing day at The Country Club, overcoming a huge deficit and snatching the lead from Miguel Tabuena with a clutch two-shot swing on the last hole in the third round of the TCC Invitational here yesterday.

Lascuña fired a gritty 72, bucking challenging conditions with a masterful frontside assault and dislodging Tabuena with a stupefying birdie off a spectacular shot on the demanding closing hole to find himself the bewildered leader at even-par 216.

Lascuña’s bold 3-wood second shot from 225 yards sailed against the high winds and landed 12 feet off the cup. After twice studying the line of his putt, he drilled it in to rescue a 35-37 and complete his remarkable charge from four shots down halfway through the P6-million tournament and closer to a second championship.

“Grabe ang course. Lamang talaga dito ang long hitters pero maganda ang pitch-and-putt ko,” said Lascuña, whose performance mirrored his victory 20 years ago in what used to be the Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup.

Tabuena finished without a birdie for the second straight day, leading to a 77 and a 217.