Que, Tabuena banner ICTSI Masters cast

MANILA, Philippines – Angelo Que and Miguel Tabuena take a break from their hectic foreign stints to banner another strong international cast – and at the same time renew their rivalry in the P3.5 million ICTSI Manila Masters unfolding Wednesday at the Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, Rizal.

Que banked on a solid third round charge to seize control then hit a clutch birdie in the final round to edge Tabuena and Ferdie Aunzo by two here last year, claiming not only the first of his two titles but also avenging his earlier setback to Tabuena at Splendido.

But they will only be two of the huge 103-player field, including Koreans, Americans, Japanese, Australians and a Dutch, vying in the 72-hole championship, all primed up for the top P650,000 purse in the fifth leg of this year’s Philippine Golf Tour sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

Tabuena actually opened the season with a victory at Anvaya last February, dethroning Que while former three-time PGT Order of Merit winner Tony Lascuña ruled the second leg at Luisita with Que finishing joint 10th and third in the first two legs of this year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

But with a strong ninth place finish at The Crowns in the Japan PGA Tour yesterday where he won P1.4 million, Que is expected to come into this week’s event brimming with confidence, not to mention enjoying the momentum needed in this highly competitive event.

Six other players in the current OOM ranking are also in the fold, including No. 3 Clyde Mondilla, Luisita leg runner-up and No. 4 Park Jun Hyeok of Korea, Guido Van der Valk of the Netherlands, Jay Bayron, rookie pro Justin Quiban and Charles Hong.

Jobim Carlos, the other rookie pro, is also expected to figure in the title hunt after the former national team standout shot a 64 in the final round of the Asian Development Tour ICTSI Sherwood Hills Classic last month.

Meanwhile, the leading pros test the mountain-top course in tomorrow’s traditional pro-am where they will be paired with the guests and officials of the event’s chief backers, including Custom Clubmakers, Adidas, KZG, Summit Mineral Water, Srixon, Pacsports, TaylorMade, Sharp and Champion.