Tabuena eyes weekend charge after gritty finish in Singapore Open; Que rebounds

This handout from the Asian Tour taken and received on October 25, 2025 shows Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines playing a shot during round three of the International Series Philippines golf tournament at Sta. Elena Golf Club in Santa Rosa, Laguna province.

(Photo by Graham Uden / Asian Tour / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Heading into a scrambling round, Miguel Tabuena once again summoned his trademark late-round brilliance, birdying the final two holes to fire a second straight 68 and stay within striking distance halfway through the Singapore Open on Friday.

Though Tabuena remained four strokes off the pace — this time behind new leader Soomin Lee of Korea — his composed, clinical finish underscored both his technical sharpness and mental toughness. It was a performance that not only kept him in contention but also hinted at a fiery weekend push as he continues his pursuit of another International Series triumph.

With an eight-under 136 total at the Singapore Island Country Club’s New Course, the Filipino ace held joint 11th alongside several notable names, including 2023 LIV Golf League individual champion Talor Gooch, Thomas Pieters, Micah Shin, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Kieran Vincent and erstwhile leader Jeunghun Wang.

Tabuena’s round began on a rocky note with a bogey on the first hole, and though he clawed back with two birdies and another bogey to make the turn at even-par 36, he momentarily slipped down the leaderboard amid a flurry of low scores from other contenders.

But the 31-year-old Filipino, known for his poise under pressure, refused to fade.

After a par on No. 10, he reignited his charge with a birdie on the 11th and an eagle on the par-5 next to signal his intent. A bogey on the 13th and another on No. 15 briefly stalled his momentum, yet Tabuena’s determination shone through as he closed with birdies on the last two holes to stay firmly in the hunt.

Coming off a stirring victory in the International Series Philippines two weeks ago, Tabuena is looking to sustain his fine form and build a strong case for a coveted LIV Golf League appearance next year. With confidence surging and his putter heating up at the right moments, the Filipino ace seems poised to mount a bold weekend assault.

Meanwhile, Angelo Que bounced back from a mediocre 71 on Thursday with a 67 to jump to joint 36th at 138, thanks to a frontside 33 and four birdies over his last six holes. He could’ve cracked the top 25 if not for a closing bogey that spoiled an otherwise inspired card.

Lee, for his part, surged ahead with a scintillating 64 behind nine birdies, seizing the solo lead at 132, two strokes clear of Ian Snyman, who fired a 65, Wei-Hsuan, John Catlin and James Piot, who carded identical 66s, and Caleb Surratt and Ollie Schniederjans, who matched 68s, for similar 134s.

Justin Quiban, who fumbled with a 73, and Sean Ramos, who rallied with a 68, both bowed out after matching 144s, missing the cut by four.