Que storms to joint 2nd after 67

MANILA, Philippines - Alejandro Canizares birdied three of the last eight holes at the front to fire a 69 and dislodge erstwhile joint leaders Angelo Que and Soren Hansen halfway through storm-hit Malaysian Open at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Malaysia yesterday.

Canizares’ late birdies at resumption of the weather-delayed round gave the Spanish ace a 33 for that 69 and a 36-hole aggregate of 136 heading into the weekend play of the $2 million tournament.

Thai ace Kiradech Aphibarnrat was actually ahead with a running nine-under total with four holes to play when play was halted due to darkness.

Que and Hansen earlier held the lead at 137s after identical 67s fashioned out in the early morning flight.

Que, out to improve his joint 16th and 30th finishes in the Asian Tour International in Thailand and the Avantha Masters, respectively, sizzled at the front with four straight birdies from No. 3 then add two more birdies against a bogey at the back to put himself in contention.

“I have been hitting it good for the past two days but holed more putts today. Everything pretty much worked out fine except for one hole (12th hole). Five-under on this course, and in this heat is good,” said Que who will turn 32 on March 12.

As majority struggled under sweltering heat, Que kept his cool and was rewarded when a birdie on the 18th hole pushed him into the joint lead.

“This week is a bit more relaxed and I’m trying to enjoy it. Everybody is struggling in the heat and I think everyone is more focused on the heat than on their game. It’s hot enough and if you let it affect you more, your game is going to be affected,” said Que who opened the season with a victory in The Country Club Invitational back home.

Juvic Pagunsan fought back with a two-under 70 to tie Tony Lascuña, matching par for the second straight day, at 144 while Mars Pucay also rallied with a 70 for a 145 as all four RP bets made it to the last two rounds.