LIPA CITY, Batangas — Tony Lascuña birdied four of the first nine holes to produce a four-under-par 68 and take a two-shot clubhouse lead Thursday in the 93rd Philippine Open at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club here.

Counting his 67 in the opening round, Lascuña posted a 135 total as he bludgeoned the famous golf course with his delicate touch around the greens and power off the tee.

“Six-under talaga ang goal ko today, pero okay na rin yung four. Hinahabol kasi namin yung kay Elmer,” said the 39-year-old Lascuña, referring to Salvador’s sizzling 9-under-par 63 in the opening round.

Salvador and defending champion Anqelo Que (66) were yet to finish their rounds.

Starting at the back nine, Lascuña birdied holes No. 12, 15, 16 and 17 before his magic touch deserted him on the frontside. He could have done better if not for missed birdie opportunities on the fifth and seventh holes.

He flubbed a three-foot birdie putt on the fifth, and to his chagrin, he missed from two feet in the seventh hole.

Artemio Murakami, the Philippine Amateur champion in 1999, carded a 67 for a seven-under 137 total to tie Richard Sinfuego, who finished with a 69.

Two-time titlist Frankie Miñoza turned in the day’s best score among the early flights with a 65. But his 73 in the first day stymied his bid to overcome Lascuña’s two-day effort as he tallied only a 138 in the event presented by Stradcom, San Miguel Corp. and 2Go/Super Ferry and backed by major sponsors Pagcor and Jorgman Construction & Dev. Corp.

Miñoza, who is turning 50 on the 29th, spiked his round with an eagle on the par-5 18th hole – his ninth – with a solid 6-iron shot from 188 yards that saw the ball landed just 10 feet away from the cup.

He rammed in six birdies but lost touch on his last hole with a bogey after falling into the bunker.

Benjie Magada chipped in a 70 and Jerome Deliarte shot a 68 to tie with Miñoza, while 1990 Open champion Robert Pactolerin had a 70 for a 140 total.

“Maganda ang putting at palo ko. Konti lang ang hangin kahit nung mga bandang tanghali, hindi tulad [kahapon],” said Miñoza, who triumphed in the fabled event in 2007 and 1998.

“Basta sa golf, kapag hindi ka mag-give-up, may chance ka palaging umangat,” he added.

Canadian Rick Gibson, who won in this tournament seven years back, trailed behind with a 142 total after a 69 in his second round. Joining him were amateurs Rufino Bayron (72) and Judson Estaquio (72), and 2001 titlist Cassius Casas (71).

Isa Senroku was eight strokes behind Lascuña with a 143 after a 69 in the second round, while Ernie Rellon (73) and Jomar Pepito (71) came in at 144.

The leaders:
135 — A. Lascuña 67-68
137 — A. Murakami 70-67, R. Sinfuego 68-69
138 — F. Minoza 73-65, B. Magada 68-70, J. Delariarte 70-68
140 — R. Pactolerin 70-70
142 — R. Gibson 73-69, R. Bayron (A) 70-72, C. Casas 71-71, J. Eustaquio (A) 70-72
143 — I. Senroku 73-69
144 — E. Rellon 71-73, J. Pepito 73-71
145 — A. Fernando 73-72, G. Bondoc 75-70, R. Pagunsan 76-69
147 — E. Saban 76-71, J. Laput 75-72, J. Bernis 73-74, R. Garalde 74-73
148 — A. Asistio II (A) 74-74, J. Pagunsan 76-72