KUALA LUMPUR - Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines crashed the Top 10 of the rich Maybank Malaysian Open on Friday after putting together a bogey-free, three-under-par 69 at West course of the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Countrt Club.
The former Asian Tour No. 1 missed eight greens in regulation but rode a brilliant short game where he needed only 25 putts to keep the bogeys away and move up joint ninth place with a four-under 140 - seven shots behind co-leaders Lee Westwood and Alejandro Canizares.
“It was really a good day. I didn’t hit it really good but I saved a lot of pars. The course was tricky and the winds were swirly. I also made some good birdies,” said Pagunsan, who picked up shots on the first, 10th and 12th holes.
The Filipino has an unimpressive record on the West course, where he has missed more cuts than he can remember, but believes the hard work he put in over the last few months ahead of this week’s season-opening event on the Asian Tour is paying off.
“I practiced a lot. I changed my swing a little bit and worked hard on my fitness every day. I’ve had good preparation for this tournament. I’ve worked on getting stronger and it’s helped. My fitness has been good,” said the 36-year-old.
With some daylight between him and the leaders, Pagunsan is not prepared to be overly aggressive in the third round.
“If you miss it on the wrong side, you’re in trouble. I got a bit lucky today with some saved pars. I’ll just have to keep my focus. Whatever happens, I just want to go out to play some good golf.
"I won’t be aggressive tomorrow although I’m a few behind the leaders and I’ll just stick to the same game plan. You need to be patient on this course. If I have a chance to win, I’ll try to take it,” said Pagunsan.
Prom Meesawat of Thailand, third on the Order of Merit last season, battled to a 72 as he joined Pagunsan as the leading Asians in the US$3 million showpiece, which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
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