Marcus Both seizes Philippine Open lead

Two-time Asian Tour winner Marcus Both charged into the halfway lead of the Philippine Open on Friday with a flawless six-under-par 66.

Two-time Asian Tour winner Marcus Both

MANILA, May 16, 2014 (AFP) - The Australian, who lost his Asian Tour card last season after a run of poor form, showed glimpses of his best golf when he fired six birdies for an eight-under-par 136 at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

"It is (a) rare day where you keep the big numbers off your card especially here because everyone will say that it is a golf course that can bite you at any stage," the 34-year-old said.

Joint overnight leader Chan Kim of the United States bogeyed his last two holes for an even-par 72, and now trails Both by two shots halfway through the $300,000 Asian Tour event.

Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh, co-leader after the first round, was a shot further back after struggling to maintain his hot putting touch to card 73 Friday.

Leading scores:

136 - Marcus Both (AUS) 70-66

138 - Chan Kim (USA) 66-72

139 - Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 66-73

140 - Plaphol Chawalit (THA) 69-71, Wang Jeung-hun (KOR) 72-68

142 - S.S.P Chowrasia (IND) 71-71, Miguel Ochoa (PHI) 73-69, Nathan Holman (AUS) 71-71, Lionel Weber (FRA) 72-70