By Adrian Flores

UNLESS he comes up with something drastic—or a miracle even—Rey Pagunsan would be hard pressed on the final round of the Mercedes-Benz Masters Singapore held at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club Friday.

Pagunsan cashed in on another explosive performance with a three-under-par 69, but still found himself in deep waters as his foes scored a lot better on Friday.

Singaporean Mardan Mamat continued his dominance with five-under-par 67 and a 205 total to maintain a two-stroke lead over Indon Rory Hie, who submitted a super-hot seven-under 65 for 207.

The touring pro representing Manila Southwoods totaled 210, five shots adrift, and shared fourth place with Thailand’s Pariya Junhasavasdikul, the same place where he stated the third round. 

“You score pretty well, still the others outdo you.  What can I say?  It’s just like this in international tournaments.  Anybody can spring a surprise and beat you bad.  Rest assured, though, that I’ll be fighting until the end,” Pagunsan said. 

Odds are now against Pagunsan as he remained the only Filipino player who could actually snatch away the crown from Mamat.

By stark contrast, Mamat put himself on the brink on an inaugural success at the fledgling Mercedes-Benz Tour.

 “I played really well from tee to green. The course, and in particular the greens, are set up beautifully, just like an Asian Tour event,” said Mamat.

 He started the day with a one-shot lead over Lam and later stamped his authority on the US$60,000 tournament with a four-under par back nine following birdies on 10, 11, 15 and 17.

Jay Bayron, the sophomore pro of the International Container Terminal Services Inc., crashed out of the Top 10 with a 216 after a disappointing 73. 

Former ICTSI amateur star Ferdie Aunzo, likewise, limped with a 75 for 218, good for 22nd place.  Unheralded Rolando Marabe was the next best Filipino golfer at 40th spot with a 74-223.  Gene Bondoc, also of ICTSI, was 43rd with 74-224 while Anthony Fernando had a 75-225.