South Korea’s Minhyuk Song produced one of the Asian Tour season’s most extraordinary rounds, combining an ace with another eagle to shoot a 10-under 60 and take control of the Philippine Open in Manila.
The 22-year-old, who began Friday tied 26th after an opening 70, reached 10-under 130 at Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club and opened a four-stroke advantage over Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut.
Song began from the 10th and was one-over through four holes before an astonishing five-hole sequence transformed his round. He birdied the 14th after striking the flag, holed a bunker shot at the next and then found the cup from 126 yards for an eagle on the par-four 16th.
An eight-iron from 178 yards delivered his fifth career hole-in-one at the 17th before another birdie on the 18th completed an outward 28. Four further birdies helped him reach 60 despite two bogeys.
Preferred lies were in operation, preventing the score from being recognised as an official course record. Thailand’s Danthai Boonma retains that distinction with the 62 he shot last year. Philstar.com
Song, winner of the GS Caltex Maekyung Open earlier this year, is also closing in on the Asian Tour Rookie of the Year award.
Suwannarut climbed into second at six-under 134 after a 63, while fellow Thai Sadom Kaewkanjana returned a 67 to occupy third place at five-under 135.
Four Indians advanced to the weekend. Anirban Lahiri and Aman Raj shot matching 68s to share 18th place at one-under 139. Pukhraj Singh Gill improved with a 69 to sit tied 29th at level-par 140, while Shaurya Bhattacharya made the cut on the number at three-over 143 after a 72.
Ajeetesh Sandhu and Rashid Khan missed out following identical totals of six-over 146, while SSP Chawrasia finished at 13-over 153.
The Asian Tour rankings contest remains alive, with leader Pavit Tangkamolprasert and nearest challenger Travis Smyth tied 37th at one-over 141. Smyth gained ground with a 68 as Pavit slipped back with a 73. Jazz Janewattananond, the only other remaining title contender, missed the cut and dropped out of the race.
Photo – Asian Tour
