Murakami drops to 6th spot after 72

Defending champion Artemio Murakami struggled with his putting and settled for an even par 72, dropping to joint sixth halfway through the Iskandar Johor Open paced by Australian Mitchell Brown and Sweden’s Niclas Fasth in Johor Bahru, Malaysia yesterday.

Murakami, whose opening 67 put him in joint second two strokes behind Welshman Craig Smith Thursday, opted for a conservative game and had a one-birdie, one-bogey stint as he stood three strokes behind Brown at 139.

Brown, the world’s former No. 1 amateur, shot a three-under 69 while Fasth fired a 68 to share the lead at 136, one ahead of Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee, who sizzled with a 66 for a 137.

After pacing the field with a 65, Smith floundered with a 76 and slid to joint 14th at 141.

Murakami said he was disappointed he didn’t take advantage of the reachable par-5s but found consolation that he’d within striking range of the leader.

“I didn’t birdie the two par-5s (Nos. 2 and 11) which are birdie holes but I think I hit it better than yesterday. I just couldn’t make my putts,” said Murakami.

“It’s a challenge for me to defend. There’s no pressure. I’m actually pushing myself to try and win this tournament again,” he added.

Tony Lascuna, who had a 69 in the first round, sputtered with a 74 but still made the cut with a 143 while Juvic Pagunsan had a 73 and also made it safely to the weekend play of the $500,000 event with a 145. asiantour.com