Rookie Shin retains 2-shot lead with 69

MANILA, Philippines — Micah Shin sustained his hot form with an eagle-spiked 3-under-par 69 Friday to stay two shots ahead of a surging Charles Hong and Randy Garalde going into the final 18 holes of the P3-million ICTSI Sherwood Hills Classic in Trece Martires City, Cavite.

The 17-year-old Shin eagled the par-5 15th that went with two birdies against a lone bogey for a 206 total as he kept Garalde, who fired a similar 69 and Hong—who achieved a tour-record three eagles in a fiery 65—at bay.

Hong eagled the last three par-5s to zoom into solid contention for a second pro crown even as Jessie Balasabas also stayed in the hunt after assembling a 70 for 212.

Shin almost scored an albatross on the 15th when his 7-iron second shot from 190 yards almost found its way into the cup.

“Overall, I struggled with my putting, but my driving and short game saved my round,” said Shin, a 17-year-old American-Japanese based in Davao who is seeking to win for the first time as a professional.

“I think three under or better [in the final round] would be enough [to win],” he added. “There will be no pressure, although I will try to focus more.”

Marvin Dumandan matched Hong’s 65 and kept a glimmer of hope of winning. At 213, he stood seven strokes behind, tied with Canadian Rick Gibson, the former Philippine Open champ, who matched par.

Frankie Miñoza and Elmer Salvador, the two pre-tournament favourites, fired identical 71s but were nine shots off the pace.

Hong, whose first victory came at Pueblo de Oro in 2012, got going with birdies on three of his first four holes and made the turn at 32 after recording his first eagle on the eighth.

He then eagled the 12th only to drop a shot on the next hole. But he rebounded with another 3 on the 15th that gave him an outward 33.

The event, the fourth of 16 legs lined up for the year by sponsoring ICTSI, is also being backed by Nike Golf, KZG, Titleist, Cleveland, Pacsports, Srixon, Callaway, Sharp, FootJoy and Custom Clubmakers.