Michaels wins Philippine Open title by three strokes

AMERICAN Edward Michaels captured the $150,000 Philippine Open title by three strokes yesterday to deny local amateur Juvic Pagunsan his day of glory.

The 27-year-old Michaels, playing in only his second event in Asia, fired a two-under-par 69 in the final round at Riviera Golf and Country Club and triumphed with a four-day total of two-under-par 282.

He picked up the winner's cheque of $24,225 in the Asian Tour event. The Atlanta-based American survived a late mishap on the 15th hole when he picked up a two-stroke penalty for removing loose impediment from a bunker which led to a double bogey six.