Jahns takes command in Antipolo after a 64

Keanu Jahns visualizes his drive. The Fil-German drained eight birdies in an opening 64. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Keanu Jahns hit six of his eight birdies on his front nine on Wednesday and went on to shoot a seven-under-par 71 as the big guns never got anything going in the rain-hit opening round of the P2 million ICTSI Forest Hills Classic in Antipolo.

The long-hitting Filipino-German recorded his best start in a pro event with his 30-34 effort as he continues to hunt down that elusive maiden triumph, one he came close to notching during the Splendido stop two months ago.

Eric Gallardo was a shot back after draining nine birdies that went with three bogeys at the well-manicured Nicklaus layout, while club pro Randy Garalde was another two strokes behind, with his two bogeys coming at the resumption of play after an hour’s delay because of rain.

“I managed the course very well,” Jahns said. “I made a lot of really long putts, and that highlighted my round.”

Silent big guns

Antonio Lascuña, who held off Jahns at Splendido, returned a lukewarm 70 like former Philippine Open champion Angelo Que, even as Clyde Mondilla, another former PH Open champ and leg winner this season, submitted a 72.

Mondilla is the defending champion here, his victory last year boosted by an opening round 60.

Aidric Chan and Jonel Ababa, who also won legs this year, fired a 68 and 69, respectively.

Meanwhile, 13-year-old amateur Yunju An of South Korea took a two-shot lead over Ji Won-lee, another Korean listed as the favorite, Florence Bisera and Apple Fudolin at the start of the P1 million, 54-hole ladies event after shooting a 73.