Fernando cards 66, ties Lascuña at 4th

MANILA, Philippines - Rookie pro Anthony Fernando fired a solid five-under 66 to wheel back in contention after a so-so start as he joined compatriot Tony Lascuña and two others in fourth place halfway through the Singha Pattaya Open of the Mercedes-Benz Tour at the Burapha Golf and Resort in Pattaya, Thailand yesterday.

Although Fernando, who matched par 71 in the first round, stood eight shots behind the red-hot Nadeem Inayat of Pakistan, who frolicked with a 64 after a 65, the former national champion hoped to gain confidence and the momentum heading into the weekend play of the $50,000 tournament serving as the second leg of the Mercedes Tour.

Fernando birdied the first three holes, lost a stroke on No. 5 then picked up two more strokes on Nos. 7 and 9 for a 32. He went five-under with another birdie on the 10th but went on a roller-coaster windup of three birdies against three bogeys for a 137.

Lascuña made three birdies in the first nine holes to add a 68 to his first round score of 69 to tie Lu Tze Shyan, who had a 66, Thai Kritsada Rangwat, who carded a 71, and Fernando in fourth.

Inayat continued to dominate with his solid game, firing six birdies at the front en route to that 64 and a 129 for a four-stroke lead over Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who had a 133 after a 165. Ronnachai Jamnong took third place with a 136 after a 67.