Juvic storms to six-shot lead on late birdie binge

SILANG, Cavite, Philippines — Even in the worst of times, Juvic Pagunsan knew how to be at his best.

The region’s former No. 1 rattled off four straight birdies from No. 13 at dusk and closed out with a 67, turning what had appeared to be a wild title chase into a virtual walk in the park as he stormed to a whopping six-stroke lead after 54 holes of play in the rain-hit ICTSI Riviera Classic here yesterday.

All looked at an unpredictable ending to a long day marred by three rain delays and gale-force winds with Pagunsan barely clinging to a two-stroke lead over Tony Lascuña and a charging Ferdie Aunzo with a bogey on the long par-3 No. 12.

But just when the rest had thought of catching up in the closing holes, Pagunsan came through with that stirring, if decisive four-birdie string in tough, cold conditions, completing that brilliant 35-32 card that effectively put a lock on a record fourth straight championship on the Philippine Golf Tour.

Flashing superb iron play, Pagunsan birdied No. 13 from 10 feet, added two more from close range before capping his run with a 15-foot putt on No. 16 that left his rivals in awe and the outcome of the P2.5 million tournament practically beyond doubt with a 207 aggregate.

For his six-shot lead could prove to be too tough for Aunzo to overcome with just 18 holes to play in the 72-hole championship that stirred so much interest despite Pagunsan wresting control in the first 36 holes with a 68 and 72 as severe playing conditions kept the toughest in the hunt and the rest out of contention.

Until Pagunsan recalled his fierce form and proved he’s still a cut above the rest.