Pinoy aces struggle

MANILA, Philippines - Juvic Pagunsan wavered coming home and hobbled with a two-over 73, falling 10 strokes off Japanese Shingo Katayama at the start of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open at the Ibaraki Country Club in Osaka, Japan yesterday.

Starting off at the backside of the par-71 layout, Pagunsan hit an eagle-2 on No. 11 to negate a bogey start but fumbled with five more bogeys, including three in the last five holes for a 36-37 card for a share of 41st.

Katayama turned in a flawless eight-under 63 to post a two-shot lead over Thai Pariya Junhasavasdikul, who had a 65 while Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura and Indonesian Rory Hie each had 69s.

Angelo Que also faltered with two bogeys in the last three holes at the front and made a four-over 75 for joint 73rd, needing to come up with a solid round to make the weekend play in the $1.48 million Asian Tour event.