DAVAO CITY – Battling the blistering heat and the mounting pressure of a possible lead surge, Russell Bautista held his ground with steely resolve and a fighter’s heart, fashioning a superb five-under-par 67 to surge past Jeffren Lumbo and into the lead of the ICTSI South Pacific Classic here Thursday, Oct. 30.

From enduring Wednesday’s wet, soggy grind to surviving Thursday’s searing conditions, Bautista showed the maturity and patience of a seasoned campaigner. Starting the day three shots behind, he methodically carved out a bogey-free six-under card through 17 holes, climbing steadily up the leaderboard.

Then came the only blemish – a three-putt bogey on the 18th that slightly tempered what could have been a career-defining round for the Tuburan, Cebu native. Still, his five-under total and a 54-hole aggregate of nine-under 207 proved more than enough to propel him past two-day leader Lumbo and the equally surging Ramil Bisera, giving him a two-shot cushion heading into the final round.

It was a commanding yet unlikely position for Bautista – one that thrust him from the shadows of anonymity into the tournament spotlight.

“Hindi ko in-expect na mag-lead kasi andiyan ‘yung mga magagaling, mga idol ko,” Bautista admitted, naming among them the formidable Angelo Que, who had swept the first two legs of this year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Bisera eagled the par-5 No. 12 en route to a solid 67, matching Bautista’s output and seizing solo second at 209. Lumbo, who had held the lead until Bautista drained his fourth birdie on No. 12, slipped to third at 211 after carding a 74.

Guido van der Valk made a late surge, firing three birdies in the last four holes for a 68 that lifted him to fourth at 212. Clyde Mondilla also made his move, eagling No. 3 and adding six birdies to offset two bogeys for a 66, climbing into a share of fifth at 213 with Kuresh Samanodi and Jaehyun Jung, who turned in 68 and 72, respectively.

Que and Marvin Dumandan matched 71s to tie for ninth at 214, while Kristoffer Arevalo rebounded with a 68 to join Keanu Jahns (72), Michael Bibat (73), and Ryan Monsalve (76) in a share of 11th place.

For a player who had yet to taste victory on the Philippine Golf Tour since 2023, Bautista’s poise was as remarkable as his ball-striking. His game plan was simple, almost disarmingly so – fairways and greens, and take the birdie chances when they come.

“Fairways at greens lang. Kung may chance maka-putt, mas okay,” he said, downplaying what was arguably the round of his young career.

Through 18 holes, Bautista hit every fairway and nearly all greens in regulation, a testament to his control and focus. He wielded his putter with confidence despite logging 32 putts, a mix of missed opportunities and timely par saves that kept his scorecard clean until the final green.

“Okay lang ang palo, from the tee to the greens,” he added. “May mga na-miss na birdie chances pero may mga na-save din.”

Now, as he stands on the brink of a breakthrough victory, Bautista knows the biggest battle will be fought not against the course or his rivals – but within himself.

“Hindi ko alam kung kaya kong i-handle ang pressure, pero ie-enjoy ko lang ang laro ko,” he said, smiling, his humility as striking as his composure. “Basta pag binigay sa akin, salamat.”

Friday’s final round promises a refreshing twist from the usual title duels that feature the PGT’s biggest names. This time, the stage belongs to three lesser-known title-less contenders – Bautista, Lumbo and Bisera – all chasing a maiden championship and the ₱616,000 top purse.

As the heat rises and the tension builds, all eyes will be on Bautista, who turned up the fire when it mattered most, and now stands 18 holes away from turning promise into triumph.

Bisera eagled the par-5 No. 12 to spike a similar 67 as the homegrown contender seized solo second at 209, while Lumbo, who had held the lead until Bautista nailed his fourth birdie on No. 12, slipped to third at 211 after a 74.

Guido van der Valk also made a late charge of three birdies in the last four holes to fire a 68 for fourth at 212, while Clyde Mondilla eagled No. 3 then fired six birdies to negate a two-bogey mishap for a 66 that pushed him to joint fifth at 213 with Kuresh Samanodi and Jaehyun Jung, who carded 68 and 72, respectively.

Que and Marvin Dumandan matched 71s for a share of ninth at 214 while Kristoffer Arevalo charged back with a 68 to tie Keanu Jahns (72), Michael Bibat (73) and Ryan Monsalve (76).

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