MARVIN Dumandan gunned down four of his six birdies in a flawless back nine yesterday for a five-under-par 67 and a piece of the lead with Arnold Villacencio three rounds through the ICTSI Summit Point Classic in Lipa City.
Counting earlier efforts of 66 and 71, the long-hitter from Davao has a 204 total, in a tie with Villacencio who carded a 69.
They held a two-shot advantage over Anthony Fernando, who fired a 67 littered with seven birdies.
Another stroke back at 207 were the prodigious Miguel Tabuena, who sizzled with a 66, and first-round co-leader Dante Becierra, the former Hong Kong Amateur champion who returned a 69.
In all, six men were within four shots of the lead with Cassius Casas, Paul Echavez and Antonio Lascuña sharing sixth at 208 following rounds of 69, 70 and 70, respectively.
“It’s been a while since I have been in contention going into the final day,” Dumandan said in Filipino. “I would need to play my best and be able to handle the final-round pressure because there are so many others in the mix.”
Dumandan’s last victory came in the John Hay leg in 2012 and he has struggled ever since, missing several cuts the last two seasons.
Villacencio is also shooting to win on tour for the first time and he should be able to conquer the memories of several final-round meltdowns in the last two years to firm up his bid for P200,000 winner’s purse.
“It’s going to be a battle of the nerves because Marvin and I are hitting quite well,” Villacencio said in Filipino.
Fernando, the former national champion, is also seeking his maiden win on the tour.
Other backers of the event, the 14th leg of the 16-stage circuit, are Nike Golf, Pacsports Phils. Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Mizuno, Empire Golf, Footjoy, Titleist, Custom Clubmakers, Sharp and KZG, with ABS-CBN Sports & Action, Balls and Inquirer Golf as media partners.