Pagunsan faces new test in breakthrough-seeking Salahog

BACOLOD—Juvic Pagunsan, slowed down by fatigue and the heat, still stared the challenge of James Ryan Lam and Pete Vilairatana of the United States with a moderate 68 on Friday in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic here.

But the Asian Tour veteran will face another pursuer in Nilo Salahog as he pursues a second straight championship.

Pagunsan said the rigors of playing two straight weeks in hot conditions while battling some personal woes have started to take their toll but the region’s former No. 1 still put in a decent round of three birdies against a bogey for a 32-36 card to barely hold on to a one-stroke edge at 10-under 200.

“I sort of lost my energy and aggressiveness after seven holes due to hot conditions but I still aimed for at least a two-under card,” said Pagunsan, who birdied the first two holes and No. 9. However, the defending champion bogeyed No. 12 and settled for a 68 at the par-70 Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.

Salahog, who hit five birdies in the first 13 holes, shot a and assume the challenger’s role at 201. Salahog is looking for his breakthrough victory on the tour.

Vilairatana, just three strokes off Pagunsan after 36 holes, blew an even par 35 start with three bogeys in the last eight holes, limping with a 73 and falling to joint 10th at 208.