BANGKOK – Bacoleño Juvic Pagunsan is into the joint halfway lead with Australian Scott Hend at the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia on Friday.

The sweet-swinging Pagunsan, whose confidence skyrocketed after claiming a breakthrough victory in Indonesia in October, fired a near flawless seven-under-par 65 while Hend enjoyed a welcome return to form with a 67 in the $750,000 event.

Pagunsan wielded a hot putter at Thai Country Club, needing only 22 putts en route to eight birdies. His lone blemish came at the closing 18th hole when he missed the green.

“I hit it really good today and drove it well. I think the key was also my putting which was really good,” said Pagunsan, last year's Rookie of the Year.

“After winning in the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitation, my confidence is really high. It was a big help in my career. I trust myself and I will try to play well again for the next two days here.”

A 15-foot birdie conversion on the opening hole set the 29-year-old Filipino on his way and he turned in 32 with three more birdies. He also took advantage of all the par fives which he birdied.

“I made quite a few putts from outside six feet. I feel I can win when I play in any tournament now. I'll try my best to win on Sunday,” said Pagunsan.

New Zealander Mark Brown and overnight leader Scott Strange of Australia are lying in equal third place a stroke back after a 66 and 71 respectively.

Thailand 's Chapchai Nirat, who needs to win the Volvo Masters of Asia to have a chance of lifting the prestigious UBS Order of Merit crown ahead of leader Liang Wen-chong of China , gave himself a chance with a 69 and is five off the lead going into the weekend.

Liang, the long-time Merit leader, shot a 71 for a share of 27th place on 143.

Hend, fourth on the UBS Order of Merit, was delighted to be in the hunt after enduring a frustrating last few months. The big-hitting Australian started his rookie season in Asia on a strong note, posting three top-three finishes before suffering a dip in form.*AFP

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