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Pucay closes in, but Rai still leads by a stroke in Malaysia

Filipino Mars Pucay plays a shot from the fairway during the second round of the Iskandar Johor Open in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, yesterday. PHOTO: AFP/ASIAN TOUR

Mars Pucay of the Philippines closed in on Indian leader Himmat Rai when he posted a superb second-round seven-under 65 at the Iskandar Johor Open yesterday.

Rai, who finished his second round on Friday, continues to hold on to the outright lead, however, with his two-day total of 13-under 131 at the Royal Johor Country Club.

The full-field Asian Tour tournament heads into the third and final round today after inclement weather forced officials to reduce the event to a 54-hole stroke play tournament.

Asian Tour honorary member K.J. Choi of South Korea and Australia’s Darren Beck held on to their tied second positions on 132, while Taiwan’s Chang Tse-peng is also among the mix on 133.

Pucay, aiming for his maiden Asian Tour win, added a 65 to his opening 69 to lie in tied fifth position alongside Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat on 134.

Starting from the back nine, Pucay opened his campaign with three consecutive birdies starting from the 11th hole. He continued his surge up the leaderboard when his chip from 20 feet found the hole for birdie on 16. He added another birdie on 18 to make the turn in 31.

Pucay kept up his impressive form and fired another three birdies on two, three and four, before dropping a shot on the fifth hole.

“My chipping and approach shots really helped with my game. The course was a bit softer after the rain yesterday and it made it easier to attack the green, even when my ball was in the rough,” the 39-year-old said.

Pucay, who has come close to winning on the Asian Tour on several occasions, is determined to make a title charge today.

“I have been knocking on the door for so many times, so hopefully I can hit my big first. I am hitting the ball and putting well, so I feel that I have a huge chance for a crack at the title,” he said.



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