Spirited Lascuna ready for breakthrough at Manila Masters

Filipino golf veteran Antonio Lascuna hopes to ditch his bridesmaid's tag by securing his maiden Asian Tour victory at the prestigious $1 million Resorts World Manila Masters, which is returning for its second edition from Nov 20 to 23.

Lascuna will spearhead the local charge alongside Angelo Que, placed fifth on the Order of Merit, and young talent Miguel Tabuena at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club which is set to provide a stern test for the elite field which features players from 25 countries.

Despite being one of the most consistent players on Tour, Lascuna had endured several near-misses for a breakthrough victory, especially this season where he chalked up four top-three finishes to sit in seventh place on the current merit rankings.

"A lot of my friends told me that I have a good chance to win the Resorts World Manila Masters if I keep up with how I've been doing. I am looking forward to this tournament. The prize money is good and it is held back home, which is an advantage for us," said Lascuna.

Having sealed five domestic victories this year which included a maiden win on the Asian Development Tour, Lascuna hopes to carry his superb form onto the main Tour.

"My aim is to get my first win on the Asian Tour. I have never won on the Asian Tour before. I think it's about time. I will continue to do my best and work towards that. I'm very excited about this event. It would be a bonus to win as it's on home soil," added the Filipino.

Meanwhile Tabuena, who was left to rue a missed chance for his maiden Asian Tour win when he lost to Thailand's Prom Meesawat in Chinese Taipei two months ago, will prepare for another title assault at the Manila Masters.

"It's always good to have an Asian Tour event in the Philippines, it gives local players like us a good advantage.

"I'm sure there will be some pressure as we're playing at home with support from families and friends. I will try and cope with it. I'm really looking forward to that event so hopefully I can get a good result that week," said the 19-year-old Filipino, ranked 27th on the current money list.