Shin cops Masters via sudden death

Micah Shin of the United States outsteadied Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand in the first playoff hole yesterday to rule the fifth and last edition of the Resorts World Manila Masters at the Manila Southwoods.

The lanky 20-year-old Shin won all the marbles when he birdied the par-5 18th hole from just four feet. Vongvanij missed his own birdie putt from seven feet.

It was a dramatic finish to richest golf tournament in the Philippines, which bid goodbye after five editions.

The winning putt gave Shin the top prize of $180,000. The Thai runnerup will go home with a smile after pocketing $110,000.

Shin, a co-leader after the first round, and Vongvanij figured in a playoff after firing identical 67s for a 269 total, following a final-hole meltdown by local boy Miguel Tabuena.

Tabuena was one hole short of becoming the first Filipino to rule the event.

Tabuena shared the lead entering the final round but gave a hint of things to come when he bogeyed the second hole. He recovered well by scattering five birdies, including one on the 17th hole.

All he needed was to birdie the par5 18th to win the event and clinch his second Asian Tour title. A par would have sent him into a playoff.

But Tabuena blew all his chances by bogeying the last hole, where he had a birdie in the first round, a par in the second and another birdie in the third.

He reached the green in three, and three-putted for the bogey to finish with a 69 and a 270 total, tied for third with Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai (67).

Tabuena settled for $56,500 (P2.8 million).

Justin Quiban, who shared the lead after the second round, closed out with a second straight 70 and finished with a 272 total and a share of fifth place. He took home $37,150 (P1.8 million).

No other Filipino player came close, with Zanie Boy Gialon sharing 47th place with three others after turning in a 71 for a 281 total.

Jay Bayron, Nino Salahog and Frankie Miñoza, still slugging it out with players half his age, were tied for 60th place at 284.

Bayron saved his best for last, hitting a 68, while Salahog and the 57-year-old Miñoza had a 72 and 74, respectively.

Antonio Lascuña carded a 70 after struggling with a 74 the other day, and shared 63rd place with four others at 285.