Erwin Arcillas grabs lead with 2nd 68

SILANG, Cavite , Philippines —Erwin Arcillas, toughened up by a playoff loss at Luisita, put himself not only in contention again – but in the lead – as he moved up by two over Australian Damien Jordan with a second 68 halfway through the $100,000 ICTSI Riviera Classic here yesterday.

While first round leader Michael Bibat tumbled with a wobbly finish at Langer’s backside which he tamed Wednesday for a 66, Arcillas leaned on his irons and hot putter to shoot six birdies, three on each side, to negate his three bogeys in another punishing day at one of the country’s toughest courses.

With a six-under 136 aggregate, the unheralded 40-year-old shotmaker moved 36 holes away from finally ending a long quest for a crown after barely nailing it on a heartbreaker of a loss to Aussie David Gleeson in three extra holes at Luisita last month.

“My putting was hot and my short game worked perfectly as well,” said Arcillas, who opened his bid with an eight-foot birdie putt on No. 10. He dropped a stroke on the next but hit birdies from short range on Nos. 15 and 16 then added two more on Nos. 2, a difficult 25-foot side-hiller, and a 12-footer on the next.

He reeled back with missed green bogeys on Nos. 5 and 6 but recovered a stroke with a closing birdie to highlight his 34-34 card.

“I’m sure many will be making their charge tomorrow (today) but I’m ready and will try to keep in step with them,” said Arcillas.