MANILA, Philippines — Justin Quiban struggled with his iron play and settled for an even-par 72, missing the weekend cut by three strokes at the halfway point of the Black Mountain Championship in Hin Lek Fai, Thailand on Friday.
Despite carding three birdies, Quiban's round was marred by the same number of bogeys, as his approach game faltered, leading to nine missed greens in regulation. While his putting remained solid with only 27 putts, it wasn't enough to keep pace with the field, who put up low numbers at the Black Mountain Golf Club for the second consecutive day.
Adding his opening round of 69, the Filipino totaled 141, three shots shy of the cutline at 138, which marked the final group to advance into the final 36 holes of the $2 million event.
Local favorite Suteepat Prateeptienchai and India's Gaganjeet Bhullar took command of the tournament, each firing consecutive rounds of 66 for a 131 total. They now hold a one-stroke lead over four others — Michael Maguire, Stefano Mazzoli, Richard Lee, and Liu Yanwei — who all sit at 132 after rounds of 64, 65, 66, and 68, respectively.
Meanwhile, fellow Filipino Miguel Tabuena, who also shot 69 in the first round, withdrew from the competition due to an injury that has plagued him in recent tournaments.
Despite his physical setbacks, however, Tabuena has managed commendable finishes in recent weeks, including a third-place finish at the Yeangder TPC and a fourth-place performance at last week's Macao Open.