Sarit extends lead as Bhullar stays in chase at International Series Philippines

India's Gaganjeet Bhullar stayed in the mix while Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut pulled further ahead at the International Series Philippines, part of the Asian Tour, on Friday. After 36 holes at the picturesque Sta. Elena Golf Club, Sarit held a four-shot lead, reinforcing his bid for a second International Series title.

The Thai golfer, a two-time International Series winner, followed up his opening 64 with a brilliant six-under 66 to reach 14-under par. Despite an early hiccup on the first hole that sent his tee shot into a penalty area, Sarit recovered with a birdie from 50 yards, setting the tone for a flawless round with only one bogey.

Local favorite Miguel Tabuena thrilled fans with a sensational round of 65, highlighted by a hole-in-one and an eagle across three holes. The Filipino star sits second at 10-under alongside Japan’s in-form Kazuki Higa (69).

Tied fourth at nine-under are Yosuke Asaji (66) of Japan, Korea’s Soomin Lee (67), Chinese Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan (67), Hong Kong’s Matthew Cheung (67), and veteran Angelo Que, who impressed with a seven-under 64. New Zealand’s Denzel Ieremia (67), American Patrick Reed (66), and Bhullar (69) are tied eighth at 136, keeping the Indian hopeful in striking distance of the leaders.

Another Indian contender, Ajeetesh Sandhu, posted a three-under 69 to sit on five-under, while Karandeep Khochhar made the cut with back-to-back 70s, joining former world No.1 Dustin Johnson, who had a one-over 73 following his opening 67. England’s Steve Lewton shot the lowest round of the tournament so far with a bogey-free 63, bouncing back from a disappointing 74 in round one.

The International Series Philippines is the sixth of nine elevated Asian Tour events offering a pathway to LIV Golf through a season-long rankings race. The tournament continues until October 26 and is the first leg of a three-week stretch that includes the Link Hong Kong Open and Moutai Singapore Open. Earlier stops this season included India, Macau, Japan, Morocco, and the Jakarta International Championship. The series concludes with the PIF Saudi International from November 19-22, where the top-ranked player will earn a spot on next season’s LIV Golf circuit.

Bhullar’s steady performance ensures he remains in the chase, while Sarit’s dominance sets the stage for a thrilling weekend in Manila.