Jeffren Lumbo fired an eight-under 62 to seize a three-stroke lead after the third round of the
International Container Terminal Services Inc. Iloilo Golf Challenge on Saturday.
Lumbo reached 10-under 200 at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club, breaking away from a crowded
leaderboard with five birdies in his last six holes and taking a three-shot advantage over Jhonnel Ababa
and Francis Morilla.
Morilla fired a 66, while Ababa had a 68.
‘My irons just really clicked. It was solid,’ the 30-year-old Lumbo said. ‘I struggled during the first two
days, but everything worked for me today.’
Lumbo birdied No. 11 from six feet, added three straight birdies from No. 13, and closed with back-to-
back birdies on Nos. 17 and 18.
‘The course condition is great today, but my irons were even better,’ said Lumbo, winner last year at
South Pacific and runner-up to Art Arbole last week in Negros Occidental. ‘My driving was steady, which
is crucial to scoring on this course.’
Ababa recovering from a mid-round slide with late birdies to stay within striking distance.
Morilla moved into title contention on the Philippine Golf Tour for the first time in 12 years. He birdied
three of his first seven holes and offset two bogeys with three late birdies.
‘My recovery shots were good,’ said Morilla, who converted six birdies from inside eight feet.
‘With how I’m driving and putting right now, I think I have a real chance. I just hope the putting stays
hot,’ added the 32-year-old Morilla.
Reymon Jaraula shot his third straight 68 to join Miki Ryoma at 204. Jaraula, who shared the lead early,
stayed in contention with a steady round, while Ryoma fought back from several setbacks before
settling for a 70.
Rupert Zaragosa also shot 68 to reach 204, while Clyde Mondilla and Ira Alido matched 69s for 205, four
shots off the lead.
Lumbo’s 62 did not count as a course record because the round was played under preferred lies.