Juvic Pagunsan

With birdie rain, Filipino grabs one-stroke lead over Prayad at Santiburi Country Club

Filipino Juvic Pagunsan shot a formidable nine-under par 63 to grab a one-stroke lead over home-favourite Prayad Marksaeng heading to the weekend rounds of the US$300,000 Singha Thailand PGA Championship at the Santiburi Country Club.

Starting at the back nine, the one-time Asian Tour titlist knocked down 10  birdies including seven straight at the 18th and then on the first to sixth. He had suffered a bogey on the 14th. But his round of 63 failed to match the course record of 61, set by Boonchu Ruangkit in 2006.

"It's a very special round. I made seven straight birdies for the first time in my life. I putted really well and hit it good,'' says the 30-year-old, who has an Asian Tour trophy under his belt.

Well accustomed to the conditions, Prayad signed off the second round with a 66, featuring a 15-yard eagle chip on the 13th.

"I'm quite familiar with the course here. I've been playing here every year,'' says the 42-year-old pro who beat Pagunsan in the Volvo Masters last year. He brims  with confidence that his experience and persistent form will exert pressure on the Filipino. as they play in the last group together today.

"He might look calm and relaxed playing with others. But playing with someone who is consistent, it could affect him mentally," says Prayad, a three-time winner.

Mo Joong-kyung of South Korea shot a 64 to total 11-under-par 133, which placed him third alone.  Taiwanese Chang Tse-peng, Australian Unho Park, American Han Lee and Indian Arjun Singh share fourth spot at 7-under-par 137.

Locals Thaworn Wiratchant and Thamma-noon Srirot follow a stroke behind at six-under 138 and in joint eighth along with Taiwanese Lien Lu-sen. A total of 69 players made the cut at an over-par 145.

Twenty-two Thais  made it to the weekend.