Tomoyo Ikemura is just 18 holes away from his first Asian Tour title after an impressive third-round performance at the Smart Infinity Philippine Open 2025, held at the Masters Course of Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club. The 29-year-old Japanese golfer from Kagoshima posted a three-under-par 67, highlighted by a crucial birdie on the last hole to take sole possession of the lead.
Ikemura, who is eight-under for the tournament, sits one stroke ahead of Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana heading into the final round.
![Tomoyo Ikemura [Picture by Jason Butler]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PHO_250125_TOMOYO_IKEMURA_11-scaled.jpg)
Third Round Highlights
Ikemura’s Strong Finish
Despite a double bogey on the 12th hole and a bogey on the 15th, Ikemura recovered with five birdies in seven holes from the 8th to 14th and another on the par-five 18th. Reflecting on his round, Ikemura shared:
“My hitting was really good, but there were a few unlucky shots as well. I’ve been in contention a few times, but I couldn’t win last year in Japan or in Asia. My goal this year is to win in Asia and qualify for LIV Golf.”
Sadom Kaewkanjana Holds Steady
Sadom, who led after the second round, struggled with consistency early in the day but rallied with birdies on his last two holes to finish at seven-under.
“I felt nervous at the start, but I’m happy I could recover on the back nine,” said Sadom, a two-time Asian Tour winner.
Danthai Boonma Sets Course Record
Thailand’s Danthai Boonma lit up the course with a bogey-free 62, breaking the course record. Boonma made eight birdies, including a fast start with three consecutive birdies from the 11th hole.
“Bogey-free 62 is as good as it gets. I controlled myself really well today,” said Boonma, who is tied for third place at six-under with four others, including Swede Bjorn Hellgren (66) and Frenchman Julian Sale (67).
Tournament Overview and What’s Next
The Smart Infinity Philippine Open 2025 serves as the season opener for the Asian Tour. Players will now focus on the crucial final round, with Ikemura leading the charge but several top names in striking distance.
Next week, the Asian Tour heads to India for the US$2 million International Series India, held at the prestigious DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram.
