Filipino golfer Tabuena ties for fifth in Japan tour

Filipino golfer Miguel Tabuena fired a strong four-under-par 67 on Thursday at the International Series Japan, marking a comeback from his missed cut last week in Korea.

Tabuena's round placed him in a tie for fifth place, three strokes behind clubhouse leader Shunya Takeyasu after an early morning tee time where he recorded two birdies per half of the par-71 course.

Meanwhile, Takeyasu surged ahead with a bogey-free 64, carding five birdies and leading by two strokes over Ren Yonezawa who shot a 66.

Tabuena's performance was highlighted by his impressive ball-striking skills, hitting 11 fairways and reaching 14 greens in regulation while needing only 28 putts.

Over on the PGA Tour, Rico Hoey also began his redemption campaign at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina, backed by ICTSI, as he tees off alongside Japan's Ryo Hisatsune and Finland's Sami Valimaki.