Quiban’s clutch 65 ignites breakthrough bid in Macau

MANILA, Philippines -- Justin Quiban unleashed a clutch five-under 65 to storm into contention for a breakthrough Asian Tour crown, climbing from joint 21st to joint third while keeping the joint leaders within striking distance after Saturday’s third round of the Macau Open.

The Filipino ace caught fire at the backnine at the par-70 Macau Golf and Country Club, draining four birdies over the closing nine holes to finish at 10-under 200 and trail Taiwan’s Wang Wei-Hsuan and Korean Sungjae Im by four strokes heading into Sunday’s final round.

Quiban’s 65, following rounds of 69 and 66, proved one of the day’s finest charges and put him in a share of third with China’s Andi Xu, who carded a 67. The surge positioned the Filipino ace for a potentially career-defining win in the $1-million Asian Tour event.

Wang, who had fired with a scorching 63 in the second round, slowed to a 66 but retained a share of the lead at 14-under 196. Im joined him at the top after a steady 69, setting up a compelling showdown over the final 18 holes.

Quiban’s late-round charge underscored his growing threat. After picking up two strokes in his first seven holes, he recovered from his lone bogey on No. 8 with a decisive birdie blitz on the inward nine.

He birdied Nos. 10 and 15, both par-4s, then took advantage of the par-5s at Nos. 13 and 18 to complete his closing surge. His strong finish was complemented by a sharp touch on the greens, where he needed just 28 putts despite missing four fairways and four greens.

The combination of power off the tee, timely iron play and confident putting gave Quiban fresh momentum at a pivotal stage of the tournament. Four strokes is a significant deficit, but his ability to produce a 65 under pressure has put him firmly in the title conversation and within reach of the biggest victory of his Asian Tour career.

Sean Ramos, who surged into joint sixth with a 64 in the second round, stumbled to a 71 after his momentum was checked by three bogeys against two birdies. He dropped to joint 19th at 204, alongside compatriot Miguel Tabuena, who birdied the final two holes to salvage a 69.

Lloyd Go also slipped after opening rounds of 68 and 69, limping with a 73 to fall into a share of 57that 210. Carl Corpus also struggled to a 75 and dropped to 71st at 214.

The Macau Open is the third-to-last event on the Asian Tour calendar. The circuit heads to Hong Kong next week for the penultimate leg before concluding at the Manila Southwoods in Carmona, Cavite, from November 12-15.