Tabuena slips, needs final round magic to stay in LIV hunt

Miguel Tabuena studies his line on the ninth green during Round 2 of the LIV Golf Promotions.

(Photo from asiantour.com)

MANILA, Philippines — Miguel Tabuena’s pursuit of a lifelong LIV Golf dream has been reduced to one last, daunting test.

The Filipino ace stumbled at the worst possible time Saturday, hobbling with a two-over 72 in the third round of the LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida – an outing that left him six strokes adrift of the final coveted qualifying spot with just one round left to play.

In a week where there was virtually no margin for error, Tabuena blinked.

Needing a fast, confident start to keep pace in what has essentially become a sprint race for three LIV berths, Tabuena instead found himself battling the course, his swing and the pressure of the moment. Black Diamond Ranch showed its teeth early, exposing shaky iron play and an uncharacteristically tentative putting stroke.

The damage was done on the front nine. Four bogeys against a lone birdie left him reeling, a brutal opening stretch in a field where red numbers were not just encouraged, but required. While Tabuena steadied himself on the back nine – adding a birdie and avoiding further mistakes – the recovery came too late.

His 38-34 card simply couldn’t keep up with a leaderboard that continued to surge ahead.

By day’s end, Tabuena slid to a share of 19th place, far removed from the top three positions that grant direct entry into LIV Golf.

At the top, Canadian Richard Lee put on a clinic, posting a flawless six-under 64 to tighten his grip on a qualifying spot. Lee’s round, punctuated by three birdies on each nine, mirrored his Round 1 brilliance and underscored the level of execution required at this stage.

Close behind were Oliver Bekker, Anthony Kim and Jazz Janewattananond, all carding 66s, while Lucas Bjerregaard stayed firmly in contention with a 67. A tightly packed chasing group, bolstered by five players shooting 69, ensured that momentum – and pressure – will be at a premium heading into the final round, where scores from Rounds 3 and 4 will be combined to determine the qualifiers.

For Tabuena, the road forward is steep and unforgiving.

To revive his fading LIV hopes, the four-time Asian Tour winner will need nothing short of a vintage closing round – one reminiscent of the late charges that have defined some of the best comebacks of his career. A low score is non-negotiable, likely something deep into the 60s, paired with a near-perfect display from tee to green and a putter that finally catches fire.

Even then, his fate won’t rest entirely in his hands. He will need help from above, hoping the frontrunners stumble while he mounts a surge from behind – a classic “back door” scenario that leaves little room for optimism, but not zero hope.

Against a dogged, in-form field and with pressure mounting on every shot, Tabuena’s task borders on improbable. Yet golf has a way of rewarding belief and boldness, and if there’s one thing Tabuena can still lean on, it’s experience.

One last round. One last chance. And a dream that, while flickering, refuses to go out just yet.