Diminutive Rates uses strong finish to clinch Summit Point crown

LIPA City, Batangas—Joenard Rates battled back from six down to force a playoff with a closing six-under 66 then out-steadied Janne Kaske of Finland on the second extra hole to snatch the Philippine Golf Tour Asia’s Summit Point World 18 Challenge crown here Saturday.

The diminutive Rates came through with a sizzling start and a strong finish four flights behind the championship group to tie Kaske at 12-under 276.

Kaske shot a 70 but missed clinching it outright with a flubbed birdie putt on the par-5 16th.

Rates and Kaske traded birdies on the first playoff hole but the Filipino, on their third trip on the par-4 18th, two-putted for par then watched his rival miss the green and miss a par putt from 10 feet.