Que paces elite field as rain halts play

MANILA, Philippines - Angelo Que remained on top in the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship as inclement weather forced the suspension of second round play in Taipei yesterday.

Que fired a bogey-free seven-under 65 to pace the stellar field Thursday, posting a one-stroke lead over American Jason Knutzon and India’s Gangajeet Bhullar.

Que, a three-time Asian Tour winner, failed to tee off in the afternoon as thunderstorms had initially forced play to be suspended at 9.33 a.m.

As the heavy rains continued to hit the Linkou International Golf and Country Club, tournaments officials were left with no choice but to call off play for the second round at 3 p.m.

Only players from the morning session managed to tee off while the rest from the afternoon batch will have to return on Saturday morning to resume their round at 8 a.m.

Knutzon was even-par through nine holes and he took a share of second place alongside Bhullar, who like Que, did not play in the second round of the $500,000 event.

Chinese Taipei’s veteran Lu Wen-teh, a five-time Asian Tour winner, provided the local cheers before the storms hit when he recorded the event’s second hole-in-one on No. 11.

“This is my fourth hole-in-one since I turned professional and it’s my biggest prize to date. I’m happy and hopefully I can continue my charge when we return tomorrow,” said Lu who pocketed $10,000 for his feat.

Miguel Tabuena had a one-under card after three holes for a two-under overall while Tony Lascuña made a 70 in the first round and Mars Pucay had a one-under overall after three holes.