Jaraula new Pueblo leader

CAGAYAN de Oro—Reymon Jaraula returned a second straight six-under-par-66 on Thursday to wrest the halfway lead in the P2.5-million ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship.

Jaraula was also spotless for the second consecutive round and will take a 12-under 132 aggregate—and a one-shot lead over Jay Bayron—heading into weekend play.

Bayron birdied three of his last four holes for a 67 and 133, and first round leader Guido Van der Valk carded a 70 for 135 with Ira Alido shooting a 68 to be another stroke back.

“I feel I can go all the way. I’ve been hitting it pretty well and playing without pressure at all,” Jaraula said.

Jonel Ababa churned out the day’s best round, a bogey-free 65 that allowed the many-time leg winner to blow into contention with a 137, just five shots behind over a well-manicured layout that is very ripe for the taking.

“He’s really good,” Bayron said of the 27-year-old Jaraula, whom he will be grouped with for the third straight round on Friday.

Johvanie Abaño, Michael Bibat and Zanieboy Gialon, meanwhile, pooled identical 138s after a 67, 68 and 71, respectively.

Reigning Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla returned a 69 for 141, with Antonio Lascuña shooting another 70 for 140 to still be in the hunt.