Pagunsan fires 69, joins Thai at helm

MANILA, Philippines - Juvic Pagunsan put on another explosive windup to fire a two-under 69 and catch two-day leader Prayad Marksaeng on top in the third round of the Queens Cup 2010 at the Santiburi Samui Country Club in Thailand yesterday.

Pagunsan, who made four birdies in the last five holes to shoot a 66 and move into contention halfway through the Asian Tour event Friday, birdied three of the last four to buck a one-over 37 at the front for that 69.

He had an eight-under 205 at the par-71 layout as he tied the veteran Marksaeng, who reeled back with a triple bogey on the 16th and settled for an even par 71, on top heading into the final 18 holes of the event serving as the seventh leg of the Asian Tour.

Pagunsan thus lined himself up for a first crown on the tour since he scored a breakthrough in 2007 by topping the Pertamina Indonesia President International. The 31-year-old ace Filipino shotmaker is actually gunning for a second straight title in three weeks after Pagunsan dominated the field to post a runaway victory in the Mercedes-Benz Tour Thailand early in the month.

Pagunsan and Marksaeng took a one-shot lead over five players while five others stood a stroke or two behind, ensuring a shootout in the final round of the $300,000 championship.

Tetsuji Hiratsuka and fellow Japanese Kenichi Kuboya both eagled the par-5 18th to shoot a 65 and 68, respectively, as they assembled 206s in a tie with Lien Lu-sen, who had a 70, and Thais Chapchai Nirat, who made a 70, and erstwhile joint leader Thaworn Wiratchant, who fumbled with a one-over 72.

A shot adrift at 207 is Wisut Artjanawat, also of Thailand, who turned in a 67, while Iain Steel of Malaysia and Indian Siddikur pooled a 208 after a 67 and 73, respectively.