Ramos storms back with sizzling windup, stays in hunt in Bangkok

MANILA, Philippines -- Sean Ramos showcased the grit and resilience that have marked his recent rise, bouncing back from adversity with a blistering finishing kick to stay in contention at the Bangkok Classic after surviving the halfway cut Saturday morning at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok.

Forced to return early Saturday after heavy rain suspended second-round play late Friday, Ramos resumed his campaign with renewed determination and fired a six-under 66, vaulting from the brink of elimination to a share of 16th place with a 36-hole aggregate of 136.

After opening with a 70 on Thursday, the Filipino standout was cruising at three-under through 11 holes before play was halted. He picked up another birdie on No. 12 when action resumed early Saturday but briefly stumbled with a costly double bogey on the 14th.

Rather than letting the setback derail his round, Ramos responded like a seasoned campaigner.

He birdied the par-5 No. 15, then unleashed a spectacular three-birdie closing run to cap a 34-32 card, highlighting both his composure and ability to finish strong under pressure.

The impressive recovery not only secured his place in the weekend rounds but also kept alive his bid for a breakthrough Asian Development Tour title.

Ramos remained seven shots behind Thai leader Sarit Suwannarut, who completed his second-round 67 on Friday for a 15-under 129. Malaysian Khavish Varadan stayed within striking distance at 130 after a 64, while another Thai, Poom Pattaropong also shone with an eight-under card, joined Naraajie Ramadhanputra and Isaac Lam, who matched 66s, and Matt Killen, who carded a 67, at 132.

Lloyd Go, meanwhile, failed to advance despite improving with a second-round 70 after an opening 72. His 142 aggregate missed the cut by three strokes in a low-scoring shootout.

Ramos, however, heads into the final 36 holes carrying plenty of momentum.

The one-time Philippine Golf Tour champion has been knocking on the door of another victory, finishing tied for second at the ADT Players Championship in Malaysia last month before emerging as the top Filipino with a tie for fifth in last week's inaugural Philippine ADT Open at Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac.

With confidence building and his game peaking at the right time, Ramos will look to capitalize on his late-round surge as he targets another strong charge and gives himself a realistic shot at the Bangkok Classic crown.