TARLAC — Jay Bayron joined Frankie Miñoza on top of the leaderboard halfway through the ICTSI Luisita Championship on Wednesday.
Bayron fired a five-under-par 67 while Miñoza shot a second-straight 69 to share the lead on 6-under 138.
One shot back were overnight leader Zanieboy Gialon and Michael Bibat who carded 74 and 73, respectively.
Bayron said he will focus on his short game in his attempt to end a five-year title drought. He last won during the 2018 PGT Asia event at Manila Southwoods.
He collected six birdies against one bogey while playing with Miñoza.
The 63-year-old Del Monte legend moved into contention by staying bogey-free at the back.
“I hope I can finish,” said Miñoza in jest. “I’m getting old and it will depend on my condition, on how will I play the last two rounds.”
Miñoza also put himself in the mix with rounds of 68 and 69 in Bacolod City but faded with a 73 in the final round. He closed with a 71 to settle for fourth place in the kickoff event won by Alido.
Defending champion Miguel Tabuena and Korean Kim Min Seong matched 140s after a 68 and 72, respectively, to make it a crowded leaderboard with 36 holes left in the P2 million championship put up by ICTSI.
Mars Pucay and Fidel Concepcion shot identical 69s to tie Ira Alido, who carded a 70, on 141, while title-hungry Angelo Que likewise produced a 69 to share 10th place on 142 with Elmer Salvador and Albin Engino, who fired 70 and 71, respectively.
The leading scores:
138 — Jay Bayron 71-67, Frankie Minoza 69-69
139 — Michael Bibat 66-73, Zanieboy Gialon 65-74
140 — Kim Min Seong 68-72, Miguel Tabuena 72-68
141 — Ira Alido 71-70, Fidel Concepcion 72-69
142 — Albin Engino 71-71, Angelo Que 73-69, Elmer Salvador 72-70
143 — Art Arbole 74-69, Ferdie Aunzo 71-72, Rico Depilo 68-75, Marvin Dumandan 68-75, Lloyd Jefferson Go 73-70, Keanu Jahns 71-72, Gabriel Manotoc 72-71, Nilo Salahog 71-72, Atsushi Ueda 71-72
144 — Tony Lascuna 71-73, Sean Jean Ramos 71-73
145 — Kang Chon Koo 70-75, Clyde Mondilla 76-69, Dino Villanueva 71-74
146 — Jhonnel Ababa 70-76, Rolando Marabe Jr. 73-73, Rho Hyun Ho 71-75.
