Keanu Jahns demonstrated his power and precision despite erratic weather Thursday, shooting a 67 to build a five-stroke lead at the midway point of the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic.
Jahns highlighted his 33-34 card with two clutch eagles, pushing him to an 11-under 131 at the Nicklaus course.
This put him ahead of a steady Randy Garalde and a faltering Enrico Gallardo heading into the final 36 holes of the P2 million championship.
Despite the unpredictable conditions, Jahns remained composed, relying on patience as his main strategy on the tight, rolling par-71 course.
He is now 36 holes away from a potential career breakthrough after several close calls in previous tournaments.
“I stayed extra patient today because the birdies weren’t coming as easily as yesterday. But I stayed focused and managed two eagles,” said Jahns, who opened with a stunning 64 in the first round.
Jahns’ first eagle came on the par-5 16th hole, where he executed a brilliant bump-and-run chip shot from 12 yards, making up for an earlier mistake on the 12th.
He followed that up with a birdie on the 17th, finishing the front nine at 34.
He maintained his momentum by birdying the third hole and recovering from a bogey on the fifth with another eagle on the sixth.
Facing a tricky downhill lie from 18 yards out, Jahns confidently used his reliable 60-degree wedge, landing the ball on the green and watching it roll perfectly into the cup for an impressive finish.
“I’m thankful for the on-and-off weather,” Jahns said, noting that the softened greens worked in his favor. “Without the rain, it would’ve been tougher with more roll on the greens.”
Garalde, a club pro familiar with the course, shot a 69 to tie for second at 136 with Gallardo, who struggled to replicate his first-round success and slipped to a 71.
“The conditions were tough, especially around the greens, but I’m happy with my round,” Garalde said. “I didn’t play too aggressively off the tee since the rough is unforgiving.”
Gallardo, who shot an impressive 65 on Wednesday, attributed his slowdown to fatigue. “Walking this course is tough. I just need some rest and to stretch because stamina is really important here,” he said.
Aidric Chan moved into fourth place with a 69 for a 137 total, while veterans Angelo Que, Tony Lascuña, and Rupert Zaragosa all fired 69s to share fifth place at 139.
Guido van der Valk surged with a 68, taking solo eighth at 140.
With two rounds remaining, the race for the P350,000 top prize is still open, though Jahns’ lead appears formidable.
Defending champion Clyde Mondilla, however, is far behind after a second consecutive 72, leaving him at 144.
Jay Bayron and Tom Marcelo carded 72 and 78, respectively, and barely made the cut at 151.
