Sampson Zheng produced a stunning 10-under-par 62 to grab a share of the lead with Miguel Tabuena and Sarit Suwannarut after the third round of the International Series Philippines on Saturday. The performance set up a gripping final-round showdown at Sta. Elena Golf Club as all three golfers moved to 16-under overall.

Zheng’s sensational surge brought him level with home favorite Tabuena, who carded a 65 highlighted by two eagles, and Thailand’s Sarit, who started the day four shots clear but settled for a 69. The trio now lead Japan’s Yosuke Asaji by one stroke heading into Sunday’s finale.

Behind them, South Africa’s Dean Burmester and Japan’s Kazuki Higa are tied at 14-under, while India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar sits seventh at 13-under. Australia’s Marc Leishman trails a further shot back at 12-under.

Zheng’s 10-under round fuels dramatic rise

China’s Zheng powered his way up the leaderboard with eight birdies and an eagle on the par-five eighth hole. He capped his round with four consecutive birdies from holes 14 to 17 and saved par on the last to complete his career-best 62.

“I just hit a lot of greens and made a lot of putts,” said Zheng. “The eagle on eight gave me momentum and got me rolling. I just stuck to the game plan and focused on execution.”

The round marked another highlight in Zheng’s young career, as he aims for his first Asian Tour victory after previous top finishes in Indonesia and England.

Tabuena thrives at home as Sarit holds on

Tabuena thrived under home pressure, firing eagles on the par-five third and 16th holes. Playing with a blue ribbon in memory of his friend Paolo Tantoco, Tabuena said he was in complete focus throughout the round.

“I was just in a flow state,” said the Filipino star. “I didn’t think about the score or what others were doing. I just wanted to execute my plan, and it worked.”

Sarit, meanwhile, admitted it was a tougher day on the course. “I didn’t hit my driver as well, and the pins were tougher. But I’ll focus on what I need to shoot and try to finish strong,” said the two-time International Series winner.

Elsewhere, former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson shot a 68 to move into a tie for 26th at eight-under, while 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed dropped to tied 19th after a 71.

The International Series Philippines, one of nine elevated events on the 2025 Asian Tour, heads into its final round with three players locked in a thrilling fight for the championship.