Bayron still 5 behind despite 68

MANILA, Philippines - Jay Bayron shot a three-under 68 but remained five strokes behind Indian Lahiri halfway through the weather-delayed Selangor Masters at the Seri Selangor Golf Club in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia yesterday.

Bayron actually closed in on Lahiri with five birdies in the first seven holes at the back where he teed off. But the Filipino ace and three-time Asian Development Tour winner holed out with back-to-back bogeys and settled for a one birdie-one bogey stint at the front for a 36-32 card.

His 137 aggregate, however, moved him from joint 11th to a share of fourth with three others, still five shots adrift as Lahiri also carded a 68 in tough condition to stay on top by three over Aussie Cameron Smith with a 132.

Smith fired a 67 for a 135 while SSP Chowrasia carded a 70 for third at 136.

Tony Lascuna turned in a second 70 for joint 17th at 140 while Angelo Que wavered with a 73 and barely survived the cut at 144.

Failing to make it to the weekend play were Mars Pucay (75-145) and Miguel Tabuena, runner-up in last week’s Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Taiwan, who made two 73s for a 146.