LIPA CITY, Batangas – Elmer Salvador highlighted a bogey-less round with an eagle Wednesday as the two-time winner in ICTSI circuit sizzled with a nine-under-par 63 to grab the clubhouse lead in the 93rd Philippine Open at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club here.

Salvador, who came through with the eagle on the par-5 15th hole, added seven birdies to take a three-stroke lead over defending champion Angelo Que and Dutchman Guido Van Der Valk.

“Sana tuloy-tuloy na ganito yung araw ko na maganda ang mga tira ko. Medyo na-challenge din ako dahil kasabay ko sina Angelo. Asian Tour player yun eh,” said the 40-year-old Salvador.

Salvador’s round, spiked by birdies on the second, third, sixth, ninth, 14th, 16th and 17th , was one shot off the course record scored by Australian Jason Dawes in 2005.

Que, who shot a 66 said that he was somewhat bothered by his short game.

“Mahirap yung pin placements, pero wala pang hangin. Malambot pa yung greens,” observed the 31-year-old Que.

“Sa palo, wala naman akong problema, pero sa putting, some of the holes, maganda, yung iba talagang ang pangit. Practice na lang siguro. Malakas yung field ngayon at maganda yung course,” he added.

Carito Villaroman and Michael Bibat carded identical 68s while Joenard Rates and amateur Jerson Balasabas submitted 69s and two more shots back were Orland Sumcad and Ferdie Aunzo.

Amateur Pater Villaber, Erwin Vinluan, Jay Bayron, Ruben Sasutil and Mars Pucay had 72s while Juvic Pagunsan, one of the pre-tournament favourites, limped home with a 77.

Other early finishers were Miguel Tabuena (73), Ronald Pactolerin (74), Christopher Delos Santos (74), Louie Dacudao (74), Alvin Engino (74), Rolando Marabe (74), Danilo Delos Santos (75), Omar Dungca (75), and Danny Zarate (75).