JUVIC Pagunsan is again off to a fine start Japan, firing a three-under 68 in the first round of the Panasonic Open on Thursday in Chiba.
The Filipino shotmaker, third last week in the Japan Tour's Token Homemate Cup in Nagoya, hit three birdies on his first nine before a rollercoaster homeward nine at Chiba Country Club Umesato Course.
He suffered a double-bogey on No. 2, eagled No. 6, slid back to two-under with bogey on No. 8 but ended his day with a birdie on the ninth.
[See Sizzling finish earns Juvic Pagunsan third place, P4 million in Japan Tour event]
Pagunsan was tied for eighth, four strokes off Jason Knutzon of the US, who hit eight birdies against a bogey.
Udorn Duangdecha of Thailand and Satoshi Kodaira of Japan were in joint second at 66 in the tournament co-sanctioned by the Japan Tour and Asian Tour.
Miguel Tabuena hit three birdies against a bogey for a two-under 69 and a share of 16th.
Tony Lascuna carded a 72 and was tied for 60th, while Angelo Que shot a 73 and was in joint 85th.