Golf: Lascuna conquers Sabah Masters via playoff

Antonio Lascuna survived a three-hole playoff showdown with Singapore's Mrdan Mamat to win the $75,000 Sabah Masters, the season-ending tournament of the 2012/2013 ASEAN PGA Tour circuit in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

The 42-year-old Lascuna actually tied Mamat at the end of regulation to forge the duel. Both players ended at 11-under-par 273 held at the Harbor Golf and Country Club.

Lascuna casually made pars on the first two holes. Then on the third, Mamat's second shot landed in the water, virtually knocking him out of the race. The Filipino went on to gingerly make his par putt, for his maiden victory in the ASEAN PGA.

“I am really excited. It is a relief to finally win. It was a great battle with Mardan, who kept giving me chances,” said Lascuna, who has won 18 times on the Philippine domestic circuit.

"I always told myself to be patient and not force things. I felt a win would come eventually,” added Lascuna, who earned a check for US$12,918.

Two-time ASEAN PGA winner Mamat was in control for 71 holes until that last hole save of Lascuna.  The 45-year-old Singaporean appeared fatigued in the playoff.

"I ran out of steam a bit but it has been a great week and a good start to the year. We are all happy Antonio finally got the monkey off his back,” said Mamat, who bogeyed the 14th and 18th.

Another Filipino Anthony Fernando, joint second here in 2011, shot a 65 to claim solo third place.  Other Filipino finishers were Rufino Bayron (72-284), Mhark Fernando (67-285), Jay Bayron (72-287) and Jhonel Ababa (72-287). - AMD, GMA News