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Jhonnel Ababa birdied the final two holes to win the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge by one shot over Jeffren Lumbo, carding a 63 and a 14-under 266 total.
Jhonnel Ababa staged a dramatic late-round comeback on Friday, birdieing the final two holes to edge Jeffren Lumbo by one shot and capture the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge title with a scintillating 63 at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Manila, Philippines. Ababa, a seasoned campaigner and former Order of Merit champion, finished with a 14-under 266 total worth P440,000.
Comeback Victory at Iloilo Golf Challenge
Ababa trailed Lumbo by three shots entering the final round after Lumbo's near-flawless third-round showing on Thursday. Lumbo, 30, appeared in control and was bidding for his second career victory. But Ababa steadily chipped away at the advantage under sweltering conditions.
A stirring birdie-birdie-eagle surge from No. 12 brought Ababa level with Lumbo at 13-under with four holes remaining. Lumbo answered with a clutch birdie on No. 15 to regain the lead, but Ababa stayed composed and drew level again with a birdie on No. 17.
On the 72nd hole, Ababa set himself up with a four-foot birdie putt after Lumbo's approach finished some three pins away. When Lumbo missed his birdie attempt, Ababa seized the opportunity, carefully reading the break and sinking the winning putt. The electric finish ignited roaring cheers from the large crowd around the 18th green.
Final Round Drama and Scores
Lumbo closed with a 67 to finish runner-up at 267, earning P287,500. It was his third runner-up finish of the year. Reymon Jaraula fired a 66 to take third place at 270 after one of the fiercest four-day duels in Philippine Golf Tour history.
Clyde Mondilla carded a 67 to tie Francis Morilla, who shot a 69, for fourth at 272. Rupert Zaragosa posted a second straight 68 to finish sixth at 273. Negros Occidental leg winner Art Arbole rallied with a 68 to tie Ira Alido, who matched par with a 70, and Japan's Miki Ryoma, who slipped with a 71, for seventh at 275.
Ababa's victory marked his 14th PGT title. He attributed the unlikely triumph to Divine providence, admitting he never expected to win after trailing Lumbo by a wide margin. He dedicated the victory to his family, including his late wife, Mailyn, and their sons, John Michael and Samuel.
Ababa Credits Faith and Focus
Despite being two shots down with seven holes to play, Ababa knew the match was far from over. Rather than dwell on the deficit, he focused on executing the basics and giving himself a chance. He said he did not feel pressured, telling himself to hit the fairway and green, and maybe he would get lucky. On No. 17, the line was good.
With a playoff as his immediate goal, Ababa stayed patient and waited for an opening. He was really just aiming for a playoff to give himself a chance, but Lumbo missed his putt and Ababa made his in one.
No sudden death ensued as Ababa seized the opportunity with a clutch approach. His solid drive on the 18th left him just 50 yards from the pin. He pulled out his trusted 60-degree wedge and stuffed it to within four feet, setting up the winning putt.
The victory underscored Ababa's experience and composure under pressure, as he transformed a three-shot deficit into a dramatic closing triumph with a fiery four-under card over three holes and back-to-back birdies when it mattered most.
Please follow us on Google to support usJhonnel Ababa ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge Jeffren Lumbo Philippine Golf Tour Iloilo Golf And Country Club Reymon Jaraula Clyde Mondilla
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