Tabuena rescues 70, stays on top

TEENER Miguel Tabuena salvaged a one-under-par 70 from the ashes of a horrendous front nine Friday to keep his share of the lead, this time with Thai veteran Thaworn Wirat-chant halfway through the Queens Cup 2012 at Santiburi Samui Country Club in Thailand.

The overnight leader with another grizzled Thai, Boonchu Ruangkit, the 16-year-old Tabuena bogeyed three of the first nine holes before coming back with four birdies, including three on the last four holes, for a 137 total.

Wiratchant fired a 67 to catch Tabuena on top, one shot clear of Rahman Siddikur of Bangladesh. Siddikur added a 68 to a 69.

But the biggest leap was made by reigning Asian Tour champion Juvic Pagunsan who shot the day’s best of 65 built around seven birdies and a sparkling eagle at the last.

The blistering round swept under the rug Pagunsan’s shaky 75 in the first round and catapulted him into a three-way tie for fifth spot at 140 with Thais Kiradech Aphibarnrat (72) and Panuphol Pittayarat (68).

Antonio Lascuña added a 73 to a 71 Thursday and lay as the next best Filipino at 144, one shot in front of Angelo Que, who improved to a 68, and two clear of Jay Bayron (72), and Mars Pucay (76).

Elmer Salvador shot another 77 for 154 and missed the cut at 149. Asian Tour News