Bayron two shots behind in Brunei

MANILA, Philippines - Jay Bayron fired a superb six-under par 65 to close in on Aussie Gavin Flint and Thai ace Wisut Artjanawat halfway through the Brunei Open at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei yesterday.

Bayron, who finished joint 23rd in last week’s Indonesia President Invitational, came away with seven birdies against a bogey in a 32-33 round at the par-71 layout which took a severe beating from the men of the Asian Tour.

Counting his first round score of 69, Bayron assembled an eight-under 134 as he jumped from 30th to joint fourth, two strokes off Flint and Artjanawat heading into the last 36 holes of the $300,000 tournament.

Flint slowed down a bit with a 68 after a 64 while Artjanawat shot a 65 to share the lead at 10-under 132, one shot ahead of Aussie Scott Barr (67-133).

Juvic Pagunsan turned in a second straight 68 for a share of 11th place with five others at 136 while Mars Pucay also shot a 68 to be at 137.