Que forces 3-way tie with 66

MANILA, Philippines - Angelo Que matched his blazing opening round finish with another fiery windup as he put in a six-under 66 to forge a three-way tie for the lead with erstwhile solo leader Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand and Canadian Richard Lee midway through the Resorts World Manila Masters at Manila Southwoods’ Masters course in Carmona, Cavite yesterday.

Que continued to flash top form following a strong joint fourth finish in the Indian Open last Sunday, hitting four birdies at the back where he started then rattling off three straight birdies from Nos. 6 to negate his second straight bogey on the par-3 No. 5 and jump from joint eighth to the top of the heap of the elite field chasing the top $135,000 purse in the $750,000 event.

“I’ve been playing with a lot of confidence since finishing fourth in India last week. I am in top form coming back to play on home soil this week,” said Que, who closed out with five birdies in the last six holes for an opening 67 Thursday.

With an 11-under 133 aggregate, the 35-year-old Filipino shotmaker firmed up his bid for a fourth Asian Tour crown although he will be as much tested as Janewattananond and Lee in today’s pivotal third round where a host of others – who stood just a stroke or two or three behind – are also expected to join the hunt for birdies for the third straight day.

Janewattananond, who sizzled with a solid 64 in the first round, slowed down with four birdies and took his first bogey in 36 holes on No. 10 as he settled for a 69 while Lee stayed flawless in two days although he failed to match his opening 65 with a 68.

Already enjoying top form, Que also said he gained inspiration from the all-out support of wife Tracy.

“It’s good to see my wife following me throughout my round. It’s easier to play when I know my family is close by. I’m more relaxed on the course too,” said Que.

Joining the troika in a crowded leaderboard are Malaysian Nicholas Fung, who matched the tournament-best 64, Thai ace Prom Meesawat, who shot a 67, and Englishman Chris Rodgers and Spain’s Carlos Spigem, who both turned in 66s for 134s.

Another shot behind at 135 are Brazilian Adilson da Silva and American David Lipsky, who had a 67 and 69, respectively, while Filipino Charles Hong carded a 70 after an impressive 66 to lead the 136 scorers, who included Finland’s Kalle Samooja (69), Taiwan’s Hung Chien-yao (68), Englishman Steve Lewton (66), Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera (67) and Chinese ace Liang Wen-chong (69).

Que sustained his fiery finish at the back late Thursday with another birdie binge early Friday, making four in a six-hole stretch from No. 12 inside six feet. Though he failed to return a pair of five-footers for par on Nos. 2 and 5, he bounced back with four birdies capped by that three-birdie string.

“I am hoping for a win soon. My game is getting along fine,” said Que, who last won an Asian Tour title in 2010 at the Selangor Masters.

After shrugging off the effects of flu, Janewattananond is now looking forward to playing his best golf this weekend.

“I try not to think too much about winning yet as I believe the key to doing well is to have fun. I’m beginning to feel very comfortable around this golf course and I’m enjoying myself,” said Janewattananond, who turned pro one day before his 15th birthday at the King’s Cup in Thailand in 2010.

“I was struggling to finish my round yesterday and it was a pleasant surprise when I took the lead. I missed a couple of putts today but it was alright, I’m well now and hopefully this good run will continue,” added the Hua Hin native.

Lee, who has yet to drop a shot this week, is also bracing himself for an enthralling weekend.

The rookie overcame the windy conditions to mark his card with birdies on holes four, seven, 11 and 17.

“It was getting windy out there just like yesterday’s afternoon but I told myself not to make any mistakes. The last two rounds are going to be pretty interesting! I will keep to my own game plan for the next two rounds and we will see how it goes,” said Lee.

Despite slowing down after a hot 66, Hong remains upbeat of his chances with the 25-year-old Cebuano vowing to go all-out in the final 36 holes to gain a crack at the first-ever Asian Tour title.

“It feels pretty exciting to be up there on the board.  But my initial goal was to make it through safely.  Now that I’m in, it is time to set my sight on the crown,” said Hong.

The other backers of the event are Canon, Srixon, Nike Golf, BMW, Asia Brewery, Remington Hotel, Marriot Hotel, PLDT and Sony.