Japan’s Kodai Ichihara battled through the tough conditions at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club for a two-under-par 70 and the clubhouse lead in the early stages of the second round at the Philippine Open on Friday.
 
Ichihara remained at the top of the field despite a nervy finish for an eight-under-par 136 total and a five stroke advantage over local favourite Tony Lascuna who posted a similar score in the US$300,000 Asian Tour event.
 
Malaysia’s Danny Chia recorded his second straight 71 and climbed up to third place for a 142 total while Filipino Benjie Magada slipped to a 76 in fourth spot. Angelo Que, who earned his spot at the British Open next week, improved with a 71 and rose to fifth position.
 
Realising the tricky conditions at Asia’s oldest national Open, Ichihara hopes to take a safe approach as he heads into the weekend rounds.
 
“I had a comfortable lead and was five under for the day after 14 holes but stumbled to a double on the 15th. I hit a wayward drive and the ball landed on the right rough off the fairway. My second shot passed the green and I misjudged again in my third shot. I then three putted for a double bogey on that hole and realised how costly it can be over here.
 
“You have to constantly try and make the fairways. I am a bit nervous heading into the third round but I hope to remain calm and play it safe,” said Ichihara.
 
Lascuna, with 18 wins on the domestic circuit, kept it in play as he shot four birdies against two dropped shots.
 
“The positioning of your ball is key here because all it takes is just one mistake to bring your scores down.
 
Malaysia’s Danny Chia, who is riding on good form this season, enjoyed a solid start with birdies in the first two holes as he closed in with his second straight 71.
 
“It feels good to continue my steady form here this week. I had a great start today with two birdies in the first two holes and that got me on the right track. But I had 35 putts coming in today and finished with a one under.
 
“I missed almost all my seven footers for birdie. But it’s nice to be playing well overall and I’m enjoying the ride. I hope to take advantage of my birdie chances over the weekend rounds,” said Chia, who finished on top of the pack at the British Open qualifiers last week.