Lascuña 3 off pace in Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines - Tony Lascuña matched par 72 in tough condition as he stood three strokes behind Australian Scott Hend at the start of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club in Chinese Taipei yesterday.

Lascuña, chasing his first crown on the Asian Tour, hit two birdies against the same number of bogeys while saving pars four times in windy condition to string two 36s and join 10 others at sixth.

Hend made three birdies at the back to seize the solo lead at 69 with American Sam Cyr and Finland’s Kalle Samooja firing identical 70s and Aussie Adam Groom and Thai veteran Prayad Marksaeng each carding a 71.

Elmer Salvador rallied with two birdies at the front to shoot a one-over 73 and tie 15 others at 17th, including compatriot Angelo Que, while Mars Pucay and Miguel Tabuena struggled and in danger of missing the cut with 77 and 79, respectively.