Aunzo 2 shots up with another 69

MANILA, Philippines—Ferdie Aunzo, finally finding consistency in his game, fired a 3-under-69 for the second straight round Thursday to grab a two-shot lead heading into the final day of the P2.5-million ICTSI Wack Wack Championship at the tough East course in Mandaluyong.

The 32-year-old Davao shotmaker fired six birdies against three bogeys for a two-round total of 138 that put him in prime position of ending a close to three-year title drought in the Tour.

Unheralded Joenard Rates also kept his steady play with two-under 70 that kept him in second place at 140 with another long shot, Elmer Saban, who came through with a bogey-free 66 to stay in the hunt for the P450,000 champion’s purse.

Cassius Casas and Marlon Dizon emerged as the other title threats, but both were six strokes behind even as former Philippine Open champion Angelo Que missed the 36-hole cut after adding a 77 to his opening 79.

The revered Frankie Miñoza was part of a six-man group with a one-over 145 aggregate, seven behind Aunzo.

“I just have to be consistent,” said Aunzo, who is searching a first title since winning in Northwoods in 2009, in Filipino. “I didn’t want to take any risks, just keep my shots on the fairway and the green.”

Starting his round on the back nine, Rates fired four birdies coming home, including a 17-foot putt on the par-3 eighth hole.

“The key for me is staying relaxed. My short game has been improving,” said Rates, who was sixth in ICTSI Calatagan early this year.

Elmer Salvador, tied for second place with Rates after an opening-round 70, struggled with a 76 and fell eight strokes behind in this tournament sponsored by International Container Terminal Services Inc. and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tour.

The leading scores: 138—F. Aunzo (69-69); 140—J. Rates (70-70), E. Saban (74-66); 144—C. Casas (74-70), M. Dizon (72-72); 145—R. Bayron (74-71), D. Beciera (76-69), F. Miñoza (72-73), A. Murakami (75-70), J. Ababa (73-72), G. Van Der Valk (74-71); 146—R. Geralde (77-69), C. Hong (77-69), E. Salvador (76-70), M. Tabuena (73-73); 147—A. Fernando (74-73), M. Bibat (74-73).