TONY Lascuña birdied No. 9 for the second straight day on the way to a four-under 67 for a one-stroke lead after the second round of the P3 million ICTSI Forest Hills Championship on Thursday in Antipolo.
Looking to score his second title this season, Lascuna moved to seven-under 135 at the par-71 Nicklaus course.
Ferdie Aunzo hit eagle on No. 5 and got to seven under but bogeyed two of the final three holes for a 66.
First-round leader Arnold Villacencio failed to match his had a bogey-riddled 74 after an opening 65.
“I just played my usual game,” said the 46-year-old Lascuña, looking to add to his win at Eastridge in April.
“I’m not getting any younger and easily get tired unlike before,” added Lascuña.
Aunzo rued his bogey-par-bogey windup that ruined what had been a remarkable start for a player who last won way back in 2009.
He birdied two of the first three holes, dropped a shot on the fourth but rolled in an eagle-putt from 20 feet off a solid rescue shot from 230 yards. He kept his charge with birdies in the next two and after a routine par on the ninth, he gunned down another pair to launch his backside bid.
But Aunzo wavered at the finish, missing the par-5 16th green and No. 18 for bogeys.
Calatagan leg winner Zanieboy Gialon shot a 67 to join rookie Ira Alido, who matched par 71, at fourth at 138.
After gunning down seven birdies against a bogey Wednesday, Villacencio had just one birdie and limped with four bogeys, including three in the last seven holes to drop to 139 in a tie with Jhonnel Ababa, who bounced back from a 73 with a 66.
Miguel Tabuena likewise rebounded from an opening 72 with an eagle-aided 68 although the European Tour campaigner still stood five strokes back at 140 with Joenard Rates, who also fought back with a 69.
Jay Bayron, winner of two tournaments last year, shot a 70 for a 141 in the tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc, sponsored by ICTSI and backed by Custom Clubmakers, BDO, Meralco, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Champion, Summit Mineral Water and K&G Golf.
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