Miguel Tabuena slips but Justin Quiban, Lloyd Go gain ground

MANILA, Philippines — Miguel Tabuena slowed down with a 71 after back-to-back 65s and fell three strokes behind but Justin Quiban and Lloyd Go charged back with 67 and 68, respectively, to threaten within four off leaders Richard Lee, Pavin Tangkamolprasert and Hung Chien-Yao in the third round of the Sarawak Championship at Damai Golf and Country Club in Malaysia yesterday.

Tabuena, who trailed halfway leader Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand by just one Friday, actually blew a three-under card after 14 holes with two bogeys in the last four and ended up with his worst card in three days following a sterling pair of 65s that sparked hopes for the ace Filipino shotmaker in the $300,000 Asian Tour event.

But his 54-hole total of 15-under 201 dropped him to joint eighth with Kosuke Hamamoto, who sizzled with a tournament-best 62, and Danthai Boonma, who shot a 68, with Janewattananond likewise failing to sustain his 65-64 start with a 70 to slip to solo fourth at 199.

That was one stroke behind the troika of Lee, Tangkamolprasert and Hung, who assembled identical 198s after a 64, 65 and 68, respectively, heading to the last 18 holes tipped to go down to the last putt with the course bowing to the field’s assault for the third straight day.