Manila: Former Asian Tour number one Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines fired a flawless nine-under-par 62 to charge into the second round lead at the US$100,000 Aboitiz Invitational on Thursday.


The smooth-swinging Pagunsan reeled in nine birdies for his career lowest round, which would have set a new course record if not for the preferred lies in play. He leads by one shot on 11-under-par 13 total at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, Legends course.


Thailand’s Pijit Petchkasem, who held a share of the overnight lead, registered a second straight 66 to take second place while local duo Zanie Boy Gialon and Angelo Que shared third on 133 following rounds of 63 and 67 respectively at the Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.


Janne Kaske of Finland stayed a further shot back in fifth place on his own while Japan’s Masaru Takahashi (69) and Australian Paul Donahoo (66) are tied in sixth on 135.


Defending champion Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines signed for a 71 to trail by eight shots in tied-25th position while Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei unfortunately missed the halfway cut following rounds of 74 and 69 at the Aboitiz Invitational.


Pagunsan, who won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2011, turned in 32 before romping home in 30 with birdies on holes 10, 13, 14, 17 and 18.


“I hit the ball really good. I was just focusing on hitting fairways and greens. My putting was good too. I thought I was quite lucky today, especially on the 10th hole. I had a good drive and hit my second shot from about 170 yards before putting in for birdie from 15 feet,” said the 37-year-old Filipino.


“This is the lowest round I have shot in my career. I play mainly in Japan these days but I try to come home and play whenever I can. I’m very happy with where I stand at the moment and I look forward to the next two rounds,” added the father of two.


Buoyed by a top-10 finish in Chinese Taipei last week, Pijit is determined to keep up with his recent good run of form to push for a breakthrough victory on the burgeoning Tour.


Pijit, who started from the 10th, credited his exquisite ball-striking and accuracy off the tee for a solid display where he missed only one fairway.


“I played solid. I missed only one fairway today and my approach shots were good. I was able to hit it close and missed only three greens. I have been putting good these two days as well. The greens are in perfect conditions and I think that was an advantage for us,” said the 28-year-old Thai, who rammed in a remarkable 50-footer for birdie on the last to stay in contention.


A total of 54 players made the halfway cut which was set at even-par 142.


Since it was inaugurated in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to 21 tournaments in 2014. A record total of 24 tournaments has been confirmed for the 2015 season with a couple more to be announced in due course.


The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.


With the Olympic Games looming in 2016 where golf will be reintroduced as a medal sport, players in the region could earn their spots in Rio de Janeiro by earning Official World Golf Ranking points through the Asian Tour and ADT.