Quiban, Shin boost ICTSI Apo Golf Classic title chase

DAVAO CITY — Justin Quiban’s return and Micah Shin’s entry have added star power and fresh intrigue to an already loaded field, setting the stage for a wide-open title chase in the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic, the final regular leg of the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) season.

The PHP 2.5 million championship begins Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Apo Golf and Country Club, where four days of demanding golf could produce another nerve-wracking finish in a season marked by dramatic rallies, late collapses and unpredictable outcomes.

With the season’s final regular-tour trophy and the coveted Order of Merit (OOM) crown both up for grabs, the stakes could hardly be higher.

A formidable field of contenders is preparing for one last push for glory on a demanding layout that rewards precision, patience and sound course management.

Attention will also turn to retaining the coveted top 40 Tour cards, setting up a fierce battle among players in the lower half of the rankings.

Fresh from snapping a two-year title drought with his victory at South Pacific, Clyde Mondilla heads into the final leg brimming with confidence.

But Sean Ramos, who came close to forcing a playoff last week, is eager to settle unfinished business, while Keanu Jahns and Angelo Que hope to carry over the momentum of their strong final-round performances that nearly turned the South Pacific finale on its head.

Que, however, has more than another championship in his sights.

The two-leg winner is also locked in a compelling duel with Jeffren Lumbo for the season-long Order of Merit title, with the race now reaching its decisive stage.

Que leads the standings with PHP 1.36 million in earnings and is one tournament away from securing a rare back-to-back OOM crown.

Lumbo, despite going winless this season, remains firmly in contention with PHP 1.18 million, as his consistent finishes, including runner-up efforts in Negros Occidental and Iloilo, keep him within striking distance.

With the final regular leg of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. offering the last opportunity to alter the OOM standings, every shot could carry consequences beyond the tournament leaderboard.

The Tour also has a Match Play Invitational scheduled for Nov. 17 to 20, following the conclusion of the regular season.

Fidel Concepcion, meanwhile, will not be around to defend his crown, having traveled to Australia for a vacation after finishing 21st at South Pacific.

Yet the addition of Quiban and Shin makes an already formidable field even more unpredictable.

Quiban, who ruled the season-opening leg at Lakewood before resuming his overseas campaign, brings experience gained from international competition.

He led the Summit Point tournament after the opening round before settling for third behind Que and Aidric Chan, and arrives in Davao in encouraging form following a tie for 35th at the Hong Kong Open, where he closed with a solid 5-under-par 65.

Shin, meanwhile, brings both international experience and familiarity with the Apo layout.

The Korean-American, who also competed in Hong Kong, honed his game on the Davao course and knows what it takes to navigate its challenges.

He made history in 2018 as the first foreign player to win The Country Club Invitational and is now keen to add a regular PGT championship to his résumé.

Their presence strengthens an already deep field, but neither can afford to take anything for granted on an Apo layout expected to test even the most accomplished players.

Its tight fairways and demanding shot-making requirements leave little room for error, making accuracy and discipline just as crucial as power and scoring ability.

That could open the door for a host of challengers eager to seize their opportunity in the season’s final regular-tour showdown.

Russell Bautista, Reymon Jaraula, Zanieboy Gialon, Guido van der Valk, Michael Bibat, Dino Villanueva, Gab Manotoc, Elee Bisera, Marvin Dumandan, Ira Alido, Jonas Magcalayo, Kristoffer Arevalo and Jelbert Gamolo are among those expected to figure prominently.

South Korean campaigners Lee Song, Kim Tae Won and Jisung Cheon, Filipino-American Ivan Yabut, and multiple-title winner and local ace Jhonnel Ababa are likewise poised to make their presence felt in a contest that could turn on the smallest of margins.

The amateur contingent also has plenty to prove, with Alex Bisera, John Bernis and Cagayan de Oro’s Jacob Rolida seeking to challenge the professionals and make their mark.

Rolida, in particular, will be looking to build on his impressive showing at South Pacific, where he tied for 12th with fellow amateur Miguel Ilas before claiming low-amateur honors via countback.