CHARLES Hong, after an impressive finish in a foreign-flavored event last Sunday, sets out as the logical favorite at the start of the P2.5 million ICTSI Wack Wack leg at the East course in Mandaluyong today.
After finishing ninth in a full Asian Tour field event at Southwoods, all eyes will be on Hong as he guns for his biggest victory so far.
Angelo Que and Antonio Lascuña, who will be representing the Philippines in the World Cup of Golf in Australia also this week, will miss the tournament.
An interesting sidelight in the event is Miguel Tabuena’s chase to win the Order of Merit award, as a third place finish will give the teener the title over Lascuña.
Hong cracked par in all but one of the four rounds of the Resorts World Manila Masters in Cavite, shooting a final round seven-under-par 65 to become the best Filipino finisher in the $750,000 event.
Also tipped to contend are Cassius Casas and Mark and Anthony Fernando. Jonel Ababa and Jun Bernis are also playing well of late and are worth keeping an eye on.