Manila (Philippines), Oct 26 (NationPress) Local star Miguel Tabuena thrilled the home crowd and endured a fierce challenge from his closest competitors, as a remarkable seven-under par 65 secured him a commanding three-shot victory in the USD 2 million International Series Philippines.

Competing at his local venue, the Sta. Elena Golf Club, just a week after withdrawing from the SJM Macao Open due to neck spasms, Tabuena concluded with a total of 24-under, while the Japanese pair of Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67) tied for second at 21-under.

This triumph, Tabuena's fourth, positions him as the most accomplished Filipino golfer on the Asian Tour. Previously, the record of three titles was held by Angelo Que. He also surpassed the US$3 million mark in career earnings on the Tour with this victory in the International Series.

Higa, who previously clinched consecutive titles in Korea and Chinese Taipei, returned to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit with his performance. Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and China’s Sampson Zheng, who were tied with Tabuena overnight, both scored 69 to finish tied for fourth at -20. Australia's Marc Leishman (65) was the highest-placed among the numerous LIV Golf stars present, finishing in solo sixth place.

Legion XIII's Caleb Surratt (67) from the USA and India's Gaganjeet Bhullar (69) were tied for seventh at 16-under. Nevertheless, the spotlight of this well-attended golf tournament in the Philippines shone brightly on Tabuena.

He started with one under after seven holes, still tied with Zheng at 18-under. However, an eagle on the par-five eighth hole set him apart from the competition, and he confidently finished the back nine with four birdies.

“This is incredibly special. This event is the largest golf tournament the Philippines has ever hosted. Winning it as a Filipino in front of my fellow countrymen is an immense honor,” expressed the 31-year-old, who dropped to his knees after sinking the winning putt on the 18th hole.

“I wasn’t at my best this week. I had to withdraw from an event last week due to neck spasms, yet somehow, we made it happen. I managed to heal and adapt. The support from the fans was humbling, regardless of my performance.

“My family and friends were there. My mother turns 60 this December, and having her witness my victory meant everything. I felt overwhelmed and emotional after such a long week, filled with expectations from others and myself. This victory is everything to me.”

Higa finished his last round impressively with four consecutive birdies.

“I discussed our strategy on the 15th hole with my caddie, and we agreed to finish strong and remain aggressive. I executed that plan well, and I’m thrilled with the outcome,” stated the 30-year-old.

“There are still many significant tournaments ahead before the Order of Merit is finalized, so I’ll continue with my current approach, stay patient, and aim for another win. That is my primary objective.”

Asaji, who has faced challenges with seven missed cuts and one withdrawal in nine events since early August, finally regained the form that earned him four titles on the Japan Golf Tour, including the 2019 Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.

The 32-year-old recorded a 29 on the back nine on Saturday and shot five-under today, including a remarkable bunker shot from an impossible position on the par-three 17th, as he made a late surge.

“The front nine was quite challenging, but I managed to score five under on the back nine, which made my day,” said Asaji. “On the front nine, hitting my tee shots was tough due to the course layout, but it was easier to find the fairways on the back nine.

“Looking ahead to next week in Hong Kong, I wasn’t initially in the field, but I’ve now qualified based on my performance, and I’m very excited about it.”

Star player and former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson finished with a 67, ending the week tied for 15th at 13-under.

The International Series Philippines marked the sixth of nine premier events on the 2025 Asian Tour schedule. The Asian Tour and the International Series will move to Hong Kong next week for the USD 2 million Link Hong Kong Open.