By Adriano Flores

THE other golfing Pagunsan made his mark this time.

Rey Pagunsan, uncle of multi-titled Juvic, pounced on every opportunity to score on four birdies for a four-under-par 68 at the start of the Mercedes-Benz Masters Singapore played at the Masters course of the Laguna National Golf and Country Club.

Fighting off the humid conditions on Wednesday, Pagunsan?s wonderful shot-making gave him a share of second place, just one shot behind Singaporean Lam Chih-Bing, who carded a five-under-par 67.

Thailand star Namchok Tantipokakul also had a 68 to position himself well for the title of the $60,000 kick-off tournament of the world-renowned Mercedes-Benz Tour.

The leaderboard featured a strong line of players with Singapore bet Mardan Mamat scoring a 69. International Container Terminal Services Inc. sophomore pro Jay Bayron, Malaysian Danny Chia and rising Indonesian golfer Rory Hie turned in 70 each.

Wisut Artjanawat and Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand and P. Gunasegaran of Malaysia submitted 71s and completed the Top 5.

Angelo Que, who was tipped to figure in the championship, backed out from the event at the last minute after learning of his mother?s sudden demise.