BAGUIO CITY— Can Eastridge Primehomes hold on and win its first title? Or will Manila Southwoods rally in time and capture a record-setting 10^th straight crown? The answer will be known Saturday, Dec. 14, as they clash for the fourth and final round in the 74^th Januarius Fil Am Invitational here.

Eastridge scored 125 points at the tougher Baguio Country Club course for a 422 total to pad the advantage to six points against Southwoods 124 for 416. Januarius Private Equity stayed at third with 115-404.

Jhondie Quibol continued to be sharp for Eastridge as he led with 34 points, in a follow up to his 45-point explosion on Wednesday at Camp John Hay. Ronel Taga-an, who had an eagle on the first hole, made a 33. Don Bregente’s 30 and Jeffren Lumbo’s 28 counted for the day.

“Whatever happens, I believe this is going to have an exciting finish,” said Gimo Asuncion, Eastridge general manager acting as captain for the club this week.

“It is good to have the lead but there is lots of golf left. Gonna be a nail-biter.”

Southwoods failed to gain ground, its players coming up with Coby Rolida opened with a one-under at the front, struggling at the back with three-over for 34 markers. Other scorers were Enrique Dimayuga 34 while Jet Hernandez and Miko Granada accounted for 29 apiece.

With his vast experience in the Fil Am, Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escaño remains unfazed and is hopeful for that one big finishing kick.

“Our boys do not have a best scoring day yet. I am hoping it happens tomorrow (today),” he said, noting that last year, his team climbed back after two lackluster rounds,” he explained.