Tabuena fires 69, keeps close to leaders
Miguel Tabuena used a strong start to cushion the impact of a wobbly windup, shooting a two-under-par 69 to stay among the frontrunners heading to the final round of the inaugural Maybank Championship at the Royal Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday.
Tabuena gunned down three birdies over his opening holes but staggered with three bogeys against two birdies going home to remain five shots off the pace in the $3 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
At joint fourth five behind new leader Soomin Lee of Korea, the reigning Philippine Open champ was still hopeful of his chance to win the crown.
“I’m still satisfied with my position. I’m still in position to win and that’s where you want to be. Hopefully I can get off to a good start (today) and keep it going,” said Tabuena.
The feisty Filipino felt a lot better on the golf course following a bout with food poisoning, and believed he would be ready for a final day charge as he chases the winner’s cheque of $500,000.
“I’m feeling much better. Hopefully I can be 100 percent. But I have 100 percent confidence,” said Tabuena.
“Winning against the best in Asia (in the Philippine Open) really boosted my confidence. It showed that I can compete against the best and come out on top especially in front of my home crowd which is more difficult than anywhere else. That win and the fourth place finish in the Singapore Open (last month) really boosted my confidence,” he added.
Tabuena reckons playing in the penultimate group out in the final round at 10 a.m. will be more ideal for him.
“It’ll help that I’m not in the last group. It takes some of the pressure off. I just have to come out strong from the start and that’s how you win tournaments. You can’t put the brakes on or else people will just chase you down,” he pointed out.
Tabuena conceded that Lee was in prime position to win the Maybank event as he holds a three-shot lead over Australian Marcus Fraser.
“He’s a really good player. He’s got all the shots to win a golf tournament and he putted really well. I wish him all the best for tomorrow,” said Tabuena.
After struggling with food poisoning over the past few days, a healthier Tabuena drained several long putts at the start of his third round but took his foot off the pedal to fall behind playing partner Lee, who shot to the top of the leaderboard after a fine 64.
“I got off to a good start, I was two under after two. But I didn’t like how I finished the round. I finished weak and that’s not how you win tournaments. You have to come out clutch and make birdies in the last few holes. Hopefully I will do that (today),” said Tabuena.