Quiban rules CAT Open by 3

TARLAC, Philippines — Justin Quiban finally broke through after two final round fold-ups, this time playing practically pressure-free with a huge lead before cruising to a three-stroke romp over Joenard Rates to capture the CAT (Central Azucarera de Tarlac) Open crown at the Luisita Golf and Country Club yesterday.

Not even two bogeys in the last four holes for a closing 72 could spoil the 21-year-old shotmaker’s claim at the coveted Philippine Golf Tour Asia title, banking on the five-shot cushion he had built through awesome driving, iron play and putting in the first 54 holes spiked by 66 and 67 in the middle rounds.

He parred the first 11 holes and remained four-up over Rates, then birdied Nos. 12 and 14 for good measure and still won by three despite dropping shots on Nos. 15 and 18 for a pair of 36s and a 275.

“I am lost for words,” said Quiban, who pocketed $17,500. “I did not expect to win this year and actually gave myself another year or two before breaking through.”

He flubbed at least seven birdie putts in the first 11 holes, enabling the rest, including Rates, to stay in the hunt.

“When I saw the leaderboard, I told myself to keep up with them, I need to knock down birdies,” added Quiban, who tapped in on No. 12 and rolled in a 15-footer on the 14th to settle the issue.

“I knew they won’t give it (title) to me on a silver platter,” he added.