Veteran Carito Villaroman zoomed into the opening-round lead in the Philippine Open on a day when Bacolod-born shotmaker Juvic Pagunsan struggled to keep up with the tough playing conditions at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Manila.

Villaroman shot a 67, one stroke ahead of American Jason Knutzon and local amateur Jay Bayron. Pagunsan, who made a name for himself in the Asian Tour last year, is in 139th place, after stumbling to a 7-over 79.

Knutzon, with one Asian Tour win under his belt, fired six birdies against two bogeys for a four under-par 68. His commanding run in the morning was matched by Bayron who sunk an eagle, four birdies against two bogeys. Korea's promising youngster Park Jun-won produced a solid start ending his round a stroke adrift the leading duo alongside Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng in joint third at the $300,000 event.

"I hit a lot of fairways and I was putting well. I made some five and ten footers for birdie so I am definitely happy with my performance today," said Knutzon, who shot four birdies against a lone bogey on the front nine. With two more birdies on the 12th and 13th holes, Knutzon kept the pace going but struck a wayward drive on the 15th hole for a 68.

"I had it going today. I was five under after 13 holes but dropped a shot on the 15th. You have to keep the ball on the fairway here. "I've taken five weeks off without touching the clubs. Making the cut in Qatar and having a good start here, I am having a good time out on course this year," Knutzon added.

Bayron, who is playing in his fourth Philippine Open, holed a 20 footer at the par five fourth hole which was the highlight for the 27-year-old amateur. Bayron's best finish was a tied 16th place in the 2004 edition. "I had a good game today. My putting was the key in this round and I hope to sustain my run right through to Sunday," said Bayron.

After firing five birdies, Marksaeng was on course for a blemish free round but two late bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes pushed him down to joint third spot.

"I had a pretty solid round until I struck back-to-back bogeys in the last two holes. But I am quite satisfied with my game but I will focus on better approach shots when I go out tomorrow," Marksaeng said.*

back to top

Five key players out of Negros XI
Pacquiao running for mayor in GenSan
Villaroman on top; Pagunsan struggles