Pagunsan foils Dumandan comeback to win Eastridge Classic

Juvic Pagunsan became P200,000 richer on Friday, fending off Marvin Dumandan’s fierce comeback in the P1-million ICTSI Eastridge Classic at the Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, Rizal.

Pagunsan was down by one after the 14th but erased it with an all important birdie on the next hole. He turned in nerves-of-steel putts in the final three holes to seal his third victory in the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT). With his closing 67, Pagunsan wound up with a nine-under 204 at the par-71 Eastridge layout. He now has P850,000 in earnings counting his title victories at Royal Northwoods and Orchard Golf Club. "I just waited for my chance and when it came, I didn't waste time to grab it," said Pagunsan in Filipino. Dumandan, three shots behind Pagunsan and a flight ahead of the championship group at the start of the final round, moved within one with a 32 at the turn, spiked by a pitch-in eagle on the par-5 No. 2. He hit another eagle on No. 13 to seize a one-stroke lead over Pagunsan, who later parred the par-5 hole. But Dumandan could not capitalize on a key par-putt from six feet on the 15th then missed a tying six-foot birdie putt on the 18th to yield the crown. He finished with a 205 worth P120,000. Third round co-leader Artemio Murakami matched Pagunsan’s opening 34 and actually wrested control with back-to-back birdies from No. 10 to 11 but double-bogeyed No. 14. He made back-to-back bogeys from No. 16 to 17 against a birdie on the 15th for a 70 and 207. Joining Murakami at third were Ferdie Aunzo (66) and first round leader Arnold Villacencio (68). Ruben Sasutil shot a 69 while rookie pro Miguel Tabuena matched par 71 as they shared sixth place at 211. – Adrian Flores, JVP, GMA News