Bacoleño shotmaker Juvic Pagunsan struggled yesterday to book a round of 75 at the start of the $5.1 million Sony Open at the Waialee Country Club in Hawaii.

Starting on the back nine, Pagunsan, a former caddy at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Binitin, Murcia, was in tied 134th place in his maiden stint in a US PGA Tour event. Pagunsan, who earned the right to play in the hostilities upon the sponsor's invitation after winning the 2006 Asian Tour Rookie of the Year award, had six bogeys, but finished with a birdie in the final ninth hole.

The 28-year-old Pagunsan is coming off a successful year when he posted four Top 10 finishes that was highlighted with a runner-up finish in the UBS Hong Kong Open.

Korean Choi Kyung Ju, Pagunsan's compatriot in the Asian Tour, had the most impressive start among the Asians after firing a six under par 64 for solo second place behind leader Luke Donald of England, who shot an opening round of 63.

Australian youngster Jarrod Lyle carded a 68 to finish in joint 24th as countryman Andrew Buckle and Charlie Wi of Korea were in joint 61st place after shooting an even par each. *CIT

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