BUKIDNON – A confident Rupert Zaragosa surged to the top with a sizzling 64, homegrown contenders found their groove, and an unheralded champion continued to punch above his weight – all setting the stage for a chaotic showdown in the final two rounds of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship.

At the halfway mark of the P3.5 million sixth leg of the Philippine Golf Tour at the Del Monte Golf Club here Wednesday, Zaragosa took command with a two-shot lead at 12-under 132, continuing his scorching form following a dominant win in Negros Occidental last month.

“Compared to yesterday, my irons clicked, giving me several birdie opportunities,” said Zaragosa, who torched the course with eight birdies, including back-to-back conversions inside eight feet to cap both nines with 32s.

He shrugged off a birdie-bogey start with four birdies in seven holes at the back, then stayed sharp at the front, birdieing Nos. 2, 6, 8 and 9 in a masterclass of control and confidence.

Still, Zaragosa, whose eight-under card matched the course record set by Clyde Mondilla during his 2023 title win, isn’t looking too far ahead.

“Nasa likod ko si kuya Reymon, I’m sure kabisado niya ang course,” he said of local ace Reymon Jaraula. “Pero hindi ko na lang iintindihin ang laro ng iba. I will just focus on my own for the next two days.”

Indeed, Del Monte’s own are lurking.

Jaraula rediscovered his putting stroke and fired a flawless 66, climbing to solo second at 10-under 134. The soft-spoken Bukidnon native, who narrowly lost here to Mondilla, is quietly plotting a breakthrough win on home soil.

“Kahapon nag-struggle sa putting, ngayon nag-click,” said Jaraula. “Focus lang sa laro bukas at kung anong resulta, tanggapin.”

Jaraula’s round was built on precision – six birdies inside six feet and clutch par saves under calm conditions. “Importante na pamilyar ka dito sa course na ‘to. Mas maganda kung mananalo ako kasi dito ako nag-umpisa,” he added.

Right behind him is Michael Bibat, who slipped from the lead with a 71 but birdied his final hole to tie Arnold Villacencio at 136.

A surprise winner of the Match Play Finals at The Country Club last year, Villacencio remains a wildcard in the hunt. While a second-round 69 kept him in contention, the gritty journeyman knows the task ahead is immense.

“Siguro pag dalawang 68s, may chance na manalo,” he said, still battling putting issues. “Mahirap ang course, sobrang kitid. Bahala na ang Diyos.”

Mondilla, the former Philippine Open titlist, also finally found his rhythm with the irons, producing a six-under round that included a clutch eagle-3 on the par-5 18th.

“Medyo nag-stable na ang irons. May inadjust ako at nag-work,” said Mondilla, who had struggled in the first round with five bogeys.

Despite the improved ball-striking, he admits his putting still needs work. “I missed at least six birdie chances inside 7 feet. Pero at least nabawi sa last hole.”

After a 320-yard blast off the 18th tee, he struck a 5-iron to within three feet and drained the eagle putt to close at 137, catching Jay Bayron (69), Elee Bisera (71), Yudai Nakakuki (68), Kuresh Samanodi (69), and two-leg winner Keanu Jahns (69) at fifth.

Russell Bautista also made waves with a 66, matching the 138 total of Tony Lascuña (68) and Korean contenders Taewon Ha and Chon Koo Kang, who carded 71s.

With just six strokes separating the Top 14, expect fireworks in the third round as contenders jostle for position heading into Friday’s finale.

Forty-three players made the cut set at 145, including amateur standout Ralph Batican (72-143), as well as seasoned names like Art Arbole (72), Tae Soo Kim (72), Elmer Salvador (69) and Del Monte legend Frankie Miñoza, who faltered with a 76 after a 69.

With Zaragosa in the lead but proven winners like Jaraula, Mondilla and Bibat circling, the final 36 holes promise high drama, sharp shotmaking – and perhaps, another local triumph.

As Zaragosa put it: “Del Monte is longer and tougher than Marapara. I’ll need my long irons to deliver if I want to stay in contention.”

One thing is certain – no one’s backing down.