Suzuki leads by 2 over Pagunsan, 2 others

BACOLOD—Japanese Yudai Suzuki fired a brilliant six-under 64 then held off the late charge of fancied Juvic Pagunsan and two others for a two-stroke lead in the first round of the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic here yesterday.

Playing in just his second tournament on the Philippine Golf Tour, Suzuki rattled off four birdies at the back then added two more on his frontside to seize control over Pagunsan, Richard Sinfuego and Dutch Guido Van der Valk, who shot identical 66s.

Pagunsan is expected to further close in after turning in a superb 31-35 despite having to take care of his wife, who was rushed to the hospital the other night.

Pagunsan had wanted to withdraw from the P3 million event he ruled last year but decided to play after he was assured of his wife’s recovery.