TOCHIGI, Japan—Juvic Pagunsan struggled to a three-over-par 75 Friday and fell six shots off the pace halfway through the ¥150,000,000 ($1.8 million) PGA Championship Nissin Cupnoodles Cup 2012 at the Karasuyamaho Country Club here.
After an opening-round 66 that put him just one stroke behind the Japanese veteran Toru Taniguchi, Pagunsan faltered with nines of 39-36 for a 141 total, in a tie for 11th place with five others.
Angelo Que, who shared 10th spot with four others overnight, managed a 76 for 146 and missed the cut by one shot.
The 44-year-old Taniguchi, the 2010 winner here, hung on to the lead at 135 following a two-under 70. He stood three clear of compatriot Keichiro Fukabori, who rallied with a 66.
Another shot farther adrift at 139 were the trio of Akinori Tani, Yasuki Hiramoto and Yoshikazu Haku. The winner here will earn ¥30 million (about $377,000).