Pagunsan ties Murakami in ICTSI-Eastridge lead

BINANGONAN, Philippines—Juvic Pagunsan fired a five-under-par 66 on Thursday to grab a piece of the lead with Artemio Murakami heading into the final round of the ICTSI Eastridge Classic here.

After opening with a level 71 Wednesday, Pagunsan wheeled into contention for a third title this season as he caught up with Murakami, who returned an eagle-aided 67 for 137.

The two held a two-shot lead over little-known Arnold Villacencio, who carded a 72 after starting the day tied for the first-round lead with Richard Sinfuego.

Three strokes behind at 140 and still very much in contention were Marvin Dumandan, Jonel Ababa and teen rookie Miguel Tabuena.

Dumandan and Ababa both carved out 69s and Tabuena, the 17-year-old playing in his fifth pro event, fashioned out a second straight 70 to remain in the hunt for the P200,000 top prize put up by the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Pagunsan’s fiery round came just two weeks after he turned the Orchard course upside down with a course record nine-under-par 63 in the final round to win by five shots.

“Juvic is really playing great golf this year,” said Murakami, who missed taking the solo lead after missing the 17th green and failing to rescue par from close to 10 feet. “But at least, I’m there. I have a chance.”

Murakami pulled off the shot of the day, a 7-wood from 230 yards on the sixth fairway that landed within a pin of the hole for an eagle 3 that highlighted a 31 on the front nine.

The 33-year-old Pagunsan picked up shots on seven of his first 14 holes only to sign for a double bogey 6 on the 15th after failing to find the fairway off the tee.

Ferdie Aunzo, the former caddy in this rolling layout, churned out a 68 to vault into contention at 141 like Elmer Salvador, the former Open champion who turned in a 70.

The leading scores: 137—J. Pagunsan 71-66, A. Murakami 70-67; 139—A. Villacencio 67-72; 140—M. Dumandan 71-69, J. Ababa 71-69, M. Tabuena 70-70; 141—F. Aunzo 73-68, E. Salvador 71-70, R. Bayron 69-72, R. Sinfuego 67-74; 142—R. Sasutil 68-74; 143—Rob Pactolerin 72-71; 144—G. Bondoc 73-71, R. Garalde 71-73, R. Lam 71-73, D. Becierra 73-74; 145—C. Villaroman 73-72, B. Magada 73-72, A. Asistio III 72-73, E. Saban 69-76