Thai ace pulls away at PLO

Thailand’s Tanjira Issaraphon turned moving day into a masterclass.

The 18-year-old Thai national team standout fired a tournament-best three-under-par 68 on Wednesday to storm into a commanding six-shot lead heading into the final round of the Philippine Ladies Open (PLO) at Manila Golf Club.

Tanjira mixed precision with poise, scattering four birdies against just a single bogey to climb to an even-par 142 total after 36 holes. On a course that has tested even the steadiest hands, her round stood out as the day’s sharpest performance — and it could not have come at a better time.

Trailing her is 15-year-old Precious Zaragosa, who sits in solo second at 148 after a rollercoaster 76. Zaragosa managed one birdie but struggled with four bogeys and a costly double bogey that widened the gap at the top. With one round left, she will need something special to chase down the surging Thai leader.

Just one shot behind Zaragosa are Junia Gabasa and Hong Kong’s Alanna Tee, who carded rounds of 73 and 77, respectively, to stay within striking distance.

For the second straight day, Gabasa failed to produce a birdie, but she kept herself in contention through steady play, dropping shots on just two holes in a display of patience and control.

Tee, who opened the tournament with a promising 72, endured a tough stretch with eight bogeys in her first 14 holes. But she refused to fold, bouncing back with birdies on Nos. 15 and 17 to salvage her round and remain in the mix.

Eleven-year-old Athena Batican continued to turn heads with a 77, tying Crista Minoza at 150. The young standout has been one of the week’s brightest stories, showing composure beyond her years against a deep and competitive field.

Beyond the chase for the title, there is added motivation for the home bets. The top Filipina finisher will earn an automatic berth to the Sirikit Cup, set for 13 to 16 May at Sentul Highlands Golf Club in Indonesia — raising the stakes even higher as the tournament heads into its decisive final round.

The leading scores:

OPEN DIVISION

142 — Tanjira Issaraphon, Thailand (74-68)

148 — Precious Zaragosa (72-76)

149 — Junia Gabasa (76-73), Alanna Tee, Hong Kong (72-77)

150 — Athena Batican (73-77), Crista Minoza (74-76)

151 — Lisa Sarines (71-80), Tashi Balangauan (73-78), Zero Plete (75-76), Alessandra Luciano (76-75)

152 — Ngampan Chantana, Thailand (78-74)

153 — Passion Hsu, Singapore (80-73)

154 — Johanna Blair Uyking (78-76)

155 — Brittany Tamayo (76-79), Mona Sarines (79-76)

156 — Nicole Gan (77-79)

158 — Isabella Tabanas (79-79)

160 — Aerin Chan (80-80)