Golf: Bhullar Trails Leaders as Sarit Extends Lead to Four at International Series Philippines
Sarit Suwannarut shoots six-under 66 to reach 14 under, leading Miguel Tabuena by four strokes, while India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar remains in the chasing pack.
India, Oct 25 : Sarit Suwannarut maintained his dominance at the halfway mark of the US$22.22 million International Series Philippines, extending his lead to four shots after 36 holes at Sta. Elena Golf Club. The two-time International Series champion carded a six-under par 66 to add to his opening round 64, reaching 14 under overall.
Local favourite Miguel Tabuena thrilled fans with a brilliant 65, including a hole-in-one and an eagle over three holes, moving to 10-under alongside Japan’s Kazuki Higa (69). Tied fourth at nine-under were Japan’s Yosuke Asaji (66), Korea’s Soomin Lee (67), Chinese Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan (67), and Hong Kong’s Matthew Cheung (67).
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (69) remained in the hunt at eight under, tied eighth with New Zealand’s Denzel Ieremia (67) and American Patrick Reed (66). Fellow Indian Ajeetesh Sandhu carded a three-under 69 to reach five-under, while Karandeep Khochhar made the cut on four-under, in a group with former world No.1 Dustin Johnson. England’s Steve Lewton posted the tournament’s lowest round so far, a bogey-free 63.
Sarit started the day with a challenging tee shot that landed in a penalty area but salvaged a birdie from 50 yards, setting the tone for a consistent round. “I’ve been playing well for the past four weeks and tried to stay calm and focused. So far, it’s been working nicely, and I hope to keep the momentum going,” he said.
The home crowd enjoyed Tabuena’s spectacular performance, particularly his hole in one on the par-3 14th. “It’s not every day you make a hole-in-one, especially in front of friends and family at your home club,” Tabuena remarked.
The International Series Philippines is the sixth of nine elevated Asian Tour events this season, offering players a pathway onto LIV Golf. The tournament continues through 26 October and kicks off a three week stretch, followed by the Link Hong Kong Open and Moutai Singapore Open. The season-long rankings leader will earn a place on next year’s LIV Golf tour.
