Lumbo steals show in ICTSI Iloilo

ILOILO , Philippines – After a chaotic battle for control – and a fierce test of will and character under ever-changing weather conditions – an emerging star from Sarangani stood tall. Yet a band of proven winners remains in hot pursuit as the third round of the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge delivered as promised: a wild, wild chase.

The day began under a steady early morning rain that dampened the fairways of the Iloilo Golf and Country Club, forcing players to adjust their touch and strategy. As the morning progressed, a brief spell of bright sunshine peeked through, bringing a sudden wave of humidity that compounded the field’s physical strain before dark, overcast skies rolled back in to wrap the course in a gloomy, unpredictable backdrop.

The lead kept changing hands the moment the last drive on the first tee was struck. Four players quickly caught halfway solo leader Miki Ryoma at the helm. The race – not yet for the trophy, but for the lead – became an all-out free-for-all until Jeffren Lumbo took firm control late in the round behind what he termed a “solid” iron game.

“My irons just really clicked. It was solid,” said Lumbo, profusely praising his near-impeccable iron game that set up nine birdies within average pin-length distances. “I struggled during the first two days, but everything worked for me today.”

Lumbo’s masterful display led to an eight-under 62 and a 10-under 200 aggregate, seizing a comfortable three-stroke cushion over Jhonnel Ababa and Francis Morilla.