Rates stands tall after three, leads Masters by 2

Tiny Joenard Rates continued his big surge with a 6-under 66 Friday and vaulted to the top of the ICTSI Philippine Masters at Villamor Golf Club.

Counting his earlier rounds of 72-70, the 5-foot-3 Rates pooled an 8-under 208, towing Keanu Jahns and Tony Lascuña by two shots going to Saturday’s last round of the event revived under the Philippine Golf Tour.

An eight-year pro with only one crown to show, Rates rode on a three-birdie string from No. 2, bogeyed No. 4, but recovered with birdies on holes 6 and 8 for a 32 going out. He then birdied the 10th, 13th and 18th holes against a lone bogey on the 16th for a 34 coming home.

“I didn’t expect to lead but I focused on hitting it on the fairway and then making the most of my approach shots and birdie chances,” said Rates.

Jahns carded his third straight 70 for 210, the same total posted by Lascuña, who also fired 70.

American Nicolas Paez and Zanie Boy Gialon also propped up their title bids following a 70 and a 69, respectively. They were just three down at 211. —ROY LUARCA