PGT newbie upstages vets with 6-under 64

BACOLOD, Philippines — Japanese Yudai Suzuki, who took his Philippine Golf Tour debut for granted and missed the cut, returned from a week-long break and took charge with a solid six-under 64, upstaging a stellar field to wrest a two-stroke lead over fancied Juvic Pagunsan and two others at the start of the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic here yesterday.

Suzuki rattled off four birdies at the back then added two more on his frontside finish in hot condition in morning play as he found himself a bewildered leader as Pagunsan, Richard Sinfuego and Dutch Guido Van der Valk’s late charge in rainy afternoon fell short with identical 66s.

“I didn’t play good in Danao because I was out of focus,” said the 29-year-old pro from Osaka, referring to his failed bid in Club Filipino de Cebu Invitational two weeks ago. He skipped last week’s event in Murcia, Bacolod to work on his game, the result of which he showed with his flawless 31-33 card at the par-70 Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club layout formerly known as Marapara.

But he will be hard-pressed to duplicate his first-round feat as Pagunsan is expected to further close in after turning in a superb 31-35 despite being bothered by some personal woes.

“I barely slept since I had to watch over my wife,” said Pagunsan, referring to Maria Elena, whom he rushed to the hospital the other night. The region’s former No. 1 actually hinted at withdrawing from the P3 million event he topped last year but decided to play after he was assured of his wife’s recovery from illness.

“I didn’t had a good start but was able to pick up my game in the last nine holes. Hopefully, I can rest and see what happens (today),” added Pagunsan, who settled for a one birdie-one bogey game at the back but shot four birdies at the front to force a three-way for second.

Emilio Parodi of Argentina fired a 67 for solo fifth while Nilo Salahog, American Pete Vilairatana and Zanieboy Gialon put in identical 68s.