CARMONA, Cavite -- Julien Sale came out smoking in the back nine and sizzled with a closing 5-under-par 65 to capture the 2025 Smart Infinity Philippine Open title on Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club here.

It was the first pro title on his first Asian Tour event for the 27-year-old, who went through qualifying school in Thailand late last year. He started two shots off third-round leader Tomoyo Ikemura of Japan before dominating the back nine with five birdies against two bogeys en route to the victory.

He tallied a four-round total of 11-under 269 following early rounds of 69, 68 and 67 for a one-stroke win over Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana and Ikemura.

“I’ve been playing well all-week long and (today) was pretty good. It was tough, though, because the win was up already in the morning, but I just kept going and tried to keep the momentum when I had that chance,” said Sale, who pocketed the lion’s share of $90,000 in this $500,000 Asian Tour event.

"This is big for my career, because now I can plan my calendar and play every (Asian Tour) event I want to play in. This certainly changes the path of my career," added Sale, who was born on Reunion Island, a few miles off Mauritius.

Kaewkanjana, leader of the first two rounds, and Ikemura, had chances of forging a playoff with eagles on the last hole to no avail.

The Thai finished with a 67 -- no thanks to a double-bogey on the sixth, while Ikemura couldn’t find enough birdies to pull off a win and played steady with a bogey-free 68. Australia’s Kevin Yuan was at fourth with 272 after a 68.

Meanwhile, Miguel Tabuena displayed resilience with a strong fightback by firing a 66 for 273 to become the best-placed Filipino in the tournament at joint fifth.

He had a 273 total after earlier rounds of 74, 68 and 65, tying with Thailand’s Poom Saksansin (67) and South Africa’s Ian Snyman (68).

Still, the two-time tournament champion was still happy with his performance, considering that he almost missed the cut after a rough opening round.

“The first round was a bit of a battle for me… But it’s still a good week,” said Tabuena.

“If you’re in the Top 10 with a risk of probably missing the cut after the first day, it’s a good fight back. I’ve learned a lot with my game and myself after that round,” he added.

Tabuena started the round five shots behind third-round leader Tomoyo Ikemura of Japan, and was aggressive with three birdies on the front nine.

He three-putted the par-4 10th hole for bogey and managed to pick up birdies only in the last two holes.

Aidric Chan also put up a challenge with an impressive 66, but settled for 274 to finish five strokes behind.