Manila, Philippines: Antonio Lascuna claimed his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title after closing with a six-under-par 66 for a three-stroke victory at the US$100,000 Aboitiz Invitational.
The 43-year-old overnight leader traded one eagle and six birdies against two bogeys for a winning total of 20-under-par 268 at the Riviera Golf and Country Club’s Couples Course.
Fellow Filipino Angelo Que, who returned with a 67, was left to rue another missed chance of winning the title as he settled for a second consecutive runner-up finish at the Aboitiz Invitational, the 14th leg of the 2014 ADT schedule.
Thai Rattanon Wannasrichan carded a 70 to take third place on 275 while his compatriots Pijit Petchkasem (73) and Poosit Supupramai (68) and American Brett Munson (71) shared fourth place on 277.
Lascuna, who took home US$17,500 and earned six Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, became the third Filipino following Elmer Salvador and Rufino Bayron to win on the Tour this season. Prior to his ADT success, Lascuna had secured three victories on the domestic circuit this year.
“I’m very happy to win the tournament. I’ve won a few times on the local Tour but this is especially sweet because it’s my first win on the ADT and winning on home soil made it even more special,” said Lascuna.
Lascuna is currently ranked eighth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit courtesy of a tied-second finish in May at the Philippine Open, which is the eldest national Open in Asia. He also leads the current merit rankings on the domestic circuit.
“I’m happy with how I have been playing this season and it is good to be able to still compete against the younger players,” he added.
Despite missing out on the title, Que was delighted to record his best finish so far this season.
“I played really solid. My result would be a good score to obtain in every other tournament but unfortunately it was not good enough to beat Lascuna this week. I’m very happy for him. We always enjoy playing with each other and we respect each other a lot. Both of us played solid,” said the father-of-two.