Bayron hangs on in Mercedes-Benz Masters

MANILA, Philippines - Jay Bayron leaned on a hot start at the back to cushion the impact of a shaky finish, holding off a charging Juvic Pagunsan with a four-under 68 for a one-shot lead midway through the Mercedes-Benz Masters Philippines at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite yesterday.

Bayron kept the momentum of his fiery 65 in the first round as he birdied four of the first five holes at the back but flubbed two makeable birdies putt in the last two holes at the front to settle for that 68.

Still, the 11-under 133 total after 36 holes proved to be Bayron’s best in a young pro career that included a victory and two runner-up finishes on the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour.

“This is my best performance since I turned pro two years ago. I know it is only halfway but I am really happy,” said Bayron.

Pagunsan is also pleased to be just one shot behind at 134, thanks to a six-under 66 that stood as the best in another day of torrid scoring at the bunker-laden layout.

“I am just playing my own game and taking it shot by shot,” said the soft-spoken Pagunsan, who won two legs in last year’s ICTSI-PGT circuit but remains hungry for more success.

Pagunsan, the Asian Tour Rookie of the Year in 2006, nailed seven birdies before bogeying the last hole.

“I had a rocky back nine. I lost my touch with my irons. However, I can’t complain and I look forward to playing with Juvic tomorrow as I grew up playing golf with him,” said the 30-year-old Bayron.

Mars Pucay fired a 68 to stay just two strokes off Bayron at 135 while Dutch Guido Van Der Valk also shot a second straight 68 for a 136, ensuring a spirited chase for top honors in the last two rounds of the $60,000 tournament.

Rookie pro Nicholas Fung from Malaysia continued his impressive debut on the Mercedes-Benz Tour, shooting a 70 to join Rey Pagunsan (70) at 137.

“This is only my fourth tournament as a pro so it is a bit nerve-wracking,” said Fung.

The halfway cut was at two-over-par 146.

Angelo Que also turned in a 69 but stood six shots adrift at 139 in a tie with Marvin Dumandan (69), Rolando Marabe (67) and Varut Chomchalam of Thailand (71).

Amateur golfer Miggy Yee became the youngest player to make the cut on the Mercedes-Benz Tour at 13. He added a 69 to his first round 72 for a 143.

Defending champion Wisut Artjanwat from Thailand and compatriot Namchok Tantipokhakul, last year’s Mercedes-Benz Tour Order of Merit winner, are seven off the pace at 140 after a pair of 70s.