Joint overnight leaders, Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and China’s Sampson Zheng, both shot identical score of 3-under 69 and tied fourh.
Ripper GC‘s Marc Leishman (7-under 65) was the highest finisher of the several LIV Golf stars in the field this week, getting to solo sixth place. Legion XIII‘s Caleb Surratt (5-unnder 67) and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (3-under 69) were tied seventh at 16-under.
But the week, and the moment, in one of the best-attended golf tournaments in the Philippines belonged to Tabuena.
He was 1-under after seven holes, and still tied with Zheng at 18-under. But an eagle on the par-5 eighth separated him from the field, and he made no mistakes on the back nine while pouring in four birdie putts.
“It’s truly special. This is the biggest golf event the Philippines has ever hosted. To win it as a Filipino, in front of my people, is an incredible honour,” said Tabuena, 31, who fell on his knees after making the winning putt on the 18th hole. “I wasn’t 100% this week. I withdrew from an event last week because of neck spasms, but somehow, we got it done. I managed to recover and adjust. It was humbling to see the support from the fans no matter what kind of shot I hit.
“My family and friends were there. My mom’s turning 60 this December, and it meant everything to have her see me win. I just fell to my knees. It was hard to hold it together after such a long, emotional week. I had so much expectations – from others and from myself. This means everything.”
Higa closed his final round in stunning fashion with four birdies in his last four holes.
“I spoke with my caddie on the 15th hole and we decided to finish strong – to stay aggressive all the way in. I managed to execute that plan well and got some good results from it, so very happy with how we finished,” said the 30-year-old. “There are still many big tournaments to come (before the Order of Merit is decided), so I’ll just keep doing the same things. Just stay patient, stick to my process, and try to win again. That’s the most important goal.”
Asaji, who missed seven cuts and withdrew from one tournament in nine starts since the beginning of August, finally rediscovered the form that has seen him win four titles on the Japan Golf Tour, including the 2019 Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup that was co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
The 32-year-old shot a 29 on the back nine on Saturday and was 5-under today – including a holed bunker shot on the par-3 17th from an impossible position – as he mounted a late charge.
“The front nine, it was pretty tough, but I was able to go five under on the back nine, and that was my day,” said Asaji. “On the front nine, where I hit my tee shots, it was really hard to score from there because of how the course is laid out. It’s easier for me to hit the fairways here on the back nine.
“For next week in Hong Kong, I wasn’t in the field at the beginning of the week, but I get in now based on my finish and I am really happy about that. I’m just looking forward to playing there.”
Star attraction of the tournament, 4Aces GC Captain Dustin Johnson closed with a 5-under 67 and finished his week tied for 15th at 13-under.
The International Series Philippines was the sixth of nine elevated events on the 2025 Asian Tour schedule. The Asian Tour, and the International Series, moves to Hong Kong next week for the US$2 million Link Hong Kong Open.
(Photo courtesy of Asian Tour)