Bayron posts 2-shot Sabah Masters lead

MANILA, Philippines - Jay Bayron wavered with a one-over 71 but still kept a two-stroke lead over three others, including compatriot Anthony Fernando, halfway through the $60,000 Sabah Masters in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia yesterday.

Bayron, who shot a solid five-under 65 Thursday to seize control in the penultimate leg of the Asean PGA Tour, failed to sustain his form and struggled with five bogeys, including on the tough No. 18 of the Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club layout.

Still, his 35-36 round kept him in the lead at 136 as the rest likewise groped for form with Fernando missing joining Bayron in the lead with a closing double-bogey mishap.

Fernando, who with Bayron are priming up for next week’s BDO ICTSI Canlubang Invitational, settled for an even par 70 for a share of second with Malaysians Nicholas Fung and Chandran Siva, who both had 68s, while Thai Thawisut Artjanawat also fired a 68 for a 140.

Malaysian Airil Rizman carded a 71 for joint sixth at 141 with Tanatchan Puaktes, who had a 73, while Marlon Dizon made a 73 for a 142 in a tie with Rory Hie of Singapore, who had a 71.

Over in Taipei, Miguel Tabuena slowed down with a 71 after a 67 as he dropped to joint third, six shots behind Lu Wei-chih who shot a second straight 66 to post a five-stroke lead over Thai Thaworn Wiratchant in the second round of the Taiwan Masters at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club yesterday.