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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Golf devider Frenchman rules Philippine Open; Tabuena finishes fifth

Frenchman rules Philippine Open; Tabuena finishes fifth

Published Jan 26, 2025 08:17 am

At A Glance

  • 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.

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.

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Julien Sale poses with the Philippine Open trophy. 

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.

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