Manila (Philippines), Oct 24 (NationPress) Sarit Suwannarut accelerated his performance, extending his lead atop the leaderboard to four strokes at the midpoint of the US$22.22 million International Series Philippines. Meanwhile, India's Gaganjeet Bhullar remained in pursuit, firmly in contention for a high finish.

The two-time International Series victor added a six-under par 66 to his previous round of 64, achieving 14-under par after 36 holes, four strokes clear of local favorite Miguel Tabuena (65), who thrilled his home crowd with an impressive round that featured a hole-in-one and an eagle in just three holes.

Joining Tabuena at 10-under was the skilled Japanese player Kazuki Higa (69). Others tied for fourth at nine-under included Yosuke Asaji (66), Korea’s Soomin Lee (67), Chinese Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan (67), and Hong Kong’s Matthew Cheung (67). Meanwhile, Denzel Ieremia (67), Patrick Reed (66), and India's Gaganjeet Bhullar (69) were tied for eighth at 136, eight under.

Ajeetesh Sandhu trailed by three strokes at five under after a three-under 69, with Karandeep Khochhar making the cut at four under following back-to-back rounds of 70, alongside former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, who had a one-over 73 after an initial 67.

England's Steve Lewton delivered the tournament's best round so far at the stunning Sta. Elena Golf Club, a flawless 63 that offset a disappointing opening round of two-over 74.

Sarit faced a challenging start with his first shot landing in a penalty area, but he managed to secure a birdie from there, setting a positive tone for the day as he surged ahead of the competition.

“That birdie on the first hole was crucial. Initially, I had no idea where my ball was. I asked my caddie, Guna, and he told me it was in the fairway. I didn’t believe him at first, but I ended up with a good lie and made a solid shot from about 50 yards. That birdie was vital for maintaining my momentum from yesterday,” Sarit reflected, noting he had only one bogey in each of the first two rounds.

“You must concentrate solely on your game and execute your shots. I’ve been playing well for the past month, so I understand my capabilities. I’ve kept my focus and calmness, which has worked well so far. I hope to continue this momentum over the next two days,” he added.

Golf enthusiasts in the Philippines came out in droves for the event, and they were treated to a thrilling performance from local favorite Tabuena, who ignited hopes for a Filipino champion. On the 171-yard 14th hole, Tabuena watched as his ball disappeared into the hole for an eagle, a perfectly executed shot.

“Making a hole-in-one is a rare occasion, but I managed to keep my composure afterward. There’s still a lot of golf to play, but it was a great moment. It’s been six years since my last one, and this is only my second in competition. I’m thrilled it happened here in front of friends and family at my home club,” said the three-time Asian Tour winner, who had to withdraw from the SJM Macao Open due to a neck spasm.

Tabuena was joined for the weekend by veteran Angelo Que, who recorded an impressive seven-under round to tie for fourth at nine under, with Justin Quiban at six under after a remarkable 68.

The International Series Philippines represents the sixth of nine high-profile events on the Asian Tour this season, offering a pathway to LIV Golf through a season-long rankings race. The tournament continues until October 26 and is the first of a three-week stretch that includes the Link Hong Kong Open and the Moutai Singapore Open in consecutive weeks.

Previously this season, International Series tournaments have taken place in India, Macau, Japan, and Morocco, along with the Jakarta International Championship. The series concludes with the PIF Saudi International from November 19-22, where the leader of the season-long rankings will earn a spot in LIV Golf for the next season.