Golf: Pagunsan survives wind-swept Day 2 at TCC

CANLUBANG—Juvic Pagunsan finished strong in the last six holes, despite the howling winds that literally swept the participants in the 10th The Country Club Invitational, to catch amateur Jayvie Agojo atop the leader board in the second round at TCC course. Pagunsan, seeking his third TCC Invitational title, rammed in two birdies on the par-four 13th and the picturesque par-three 17th for a 34 in the final nine and a one-under-par 69 for the day.  He was at 139 overall, which was matched by erstwhile leader Agojo, who came through with a 70. Elmer Salvador strung up nines of 32-37 for a 69 and solo second with 140 followed by Carl Santos-Ocampo's 142 after a 70. A total of 18 players plus ties will head into the last two rounds. The Asian Tour No. 1's score would have been better if not for the strong winds that came to fore in the morning. The Bacolod native wasn't able to take advantage of the somewhat easy pin placements as compared to that of the opening round. "It's really a battle of who manages the course well. Off the tees, we can't play the ball too high because the wind will alter its direction. It's putting the ball at the right place around the green and putting well to have birdie chances," said Pagunsan., 33. Pagunsan is hell bent on winning this one, in preparation for the Asian Tour season opener in Myanmar next week. "It will be nice to head to Myanmar with a victory. It'll boost my confidence more," he said. Agojo shot a respectable even par 70 and continues to lord it over in the amateur side. She had a modest two-birdie, two-bogey stint at the par-70 layout. Although she's in joint first place, she won't be able to pocket the P1.4-million champion's prize as stipulated in the rules.   Still, if she wins, the former Philippine Ladies Amateur champ will use the experience to build on for the upcoming tournaments here and abroad. Ex-champs Artemio Murakami (70), Tony Lascuna (71) and Cassius (70) were tied for fourth with Mars Pucay (70) on 144.  Frankie Minoza (72) and Jerson Balasabas (72) were on ninth with 145. Defending champion Angelo Que (73-148) leads five others at the 11th spot. — JVP, GMA News