Manila, Philippines: Former Asian Tour number one Juvic Pagunsan claimed his second Asian Development Tour (ADT) as he romped to an eight-shot victory at the US$100,000 Aboitiz Invitational.
The 37-year-old Filipino, who held a share of the overnight lead, nailed six birdies to sign for a closing six-under-par 65 and a winning total of 20-under 264 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club’s Legends Course.
Compatriot Angelo Que, a three-time Asian Tour winner, carded a 72 to settle for second place with Thai duo Nirun Sae-Ueng and Pijit Petchkasem, who signed off with rounds of 67 and 73 respectively.
Australian Paul Donahoo and local talent Zanie Boy Gialon posted 68s to finish one shot back in fifth place alongside Japan’s Masaru Takahashi (70) and Filipino Clyde Mondilla (70) in what is the ADT’s third stop in the Philippines this season.
Defending champion Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines closed with a 65 to grab a share of ninth place on 274 with countryman Jay Bayron (69) and American duo Blake Snyder (68) and Greg Moss (72).
Pagunsan was in total control heading into the final round as he extended his overnight one-shot lead to six by turning in 32 with birdies on the fifth, sixth, eighth and ninth holes. He added two more birdies on 13 and 14 to ensure a stress-free walk up the 18th fairway.
“I was confident of winning after I birdied the fifth hole. It kind of got my momentum going and I knew I had a big advantage heading into the remaining of the final round,” said Pagunsan, who first won on the ADT in 2010 at the Bali Open.
“I have been feeling good all week and my game was in good shape. It has been a long while since I won the Asian Tour Order of Merit [2011]. This win will be a great boost of confidence for me and I am looking forward to playing in Japan and on the Asian Tour for the remaining of the season,” added the father-of-two.
Pagunsan takes home a prize purse of US$17,500 and receives six Official World Golf Ranking points.