By el Amigo
CARMONA, Philippines — South Korean Minhyuk Song produced a stunning 10-under-par 60 to storm into the lead after the second round of the 108th Philippine Open at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club on Friday.
Song’s two-day score of 130 gave him a four-stroke advantage over Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut as the tournament entered its crucial weekend rounds.
The Korean golfer put on an impressive display on the back nine, highlighted by a pitch-in eagle and a hole-in-one on the 189-yard 17th. He also collected several birdies to finish with a remarkable 28 on his final nine holes.
Song came close to breaking 60 but missed a birdie opportunity on the ninth hole.
His 60, however, will not count as a course record because lift-clean-and-place rules were observed during the opening two rounds. Thailand’s Danthai Boonma remains the course-record holder with a 62 posted in last year’s third round.
Filipino Lloyd Go carried the country’s hopes after shooting a two-under-par 68 for a 138 total, making him the best-placed local player. Justin Quiban followed one stroke behind after an even-par round.
Sean Ramos remained within striking distance after firing a 67 to reach 141.
Meanwhile, first-round leader Nick Voke of New Zealand struggled with a 74, dropping nine shots behind Song. Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Australian Travis Smyth also stood at 141 after carding 73 and 68, respectively.
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