Jahns, An sustain steady drives

ANTIPOLO MANILA, Philippines — Keanu Jahns showcased his power and precision in erratic weather yesterday, carding a 67 to surge five strokes ahead of the field midway through the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic here.

Jahns bolstered his 33-34 card with two clutch eagles, propelling him to an 11-under 131 at the Nicklaus course and a commanding lead over a steady Randy Garalde and a stumbling Enrico Gallardo going to the final 36 holes of the P2 million championship.

“I stayed extra patient today because the birdies weren’t coming as easily as yesterday. But I still managed to stay focused and made two eagles,” said Jahns, who opened with a stunning 64 in the first round.

Aidric Chan moved into fourth place with a 69 for a 137 total, while veterans Angelo Que, Tony Lascuña, and Rupert Zaragosa fired matching 69s to share fifth place at 139. Guido van der Valk surged back with a 68, taking solo eighth at 140.

Meanwhile, Young Yunju An reinforced her remarkable first-round performance with a tournament-best two-under 69, taking a five-shot lead after the penultimate round of women’s play.

An’s stellar play increased her overnight two-stroke advantage over fellow Korean Jiwon Lee who pooled an even 142.

Gretchen Villacencio closed with a 73 for third at 150, trailing by eight shots, while Velinda Castil carded a 72 to tie Chihiro Ikeda and Miya Legaspi, both at 151 after 75s.

Other notable contenders struggled to keep pace. Kristine Fleetwood (75), Seoyun Kim (76) and Sarah Ababa (77) ended the round at 153.