Jhonnel Ababa charged to the top with a two-under 70 in another challenging day at the Apo course here Wednesday, grabbing a one-stroke lead over Korean Gwon Minwook halfway through the 2024 ICTSI Apo Golf Classic.

Despite a wobbly start at the back-nine, Ababa bounced back with a run of five birdies, finishing with a 20-foot putt on No. 18. He sustained his attack at the front, birdying Nos. 1 and 8 to stay in command but failed to get up-and-down on the ninth for a pair of 35s.

While content with his lead at 143, the ace Davaoeño shotmaker acknowledged the importance of the third round in maintaining his position while underlining the need to improve his driving and iron play.

"Masama ang palo sa umpisa, pero naka-recover naman agad (Was hitting bad at the start, but fortunately I was able to recover)," Ababa said.

He bogeyed Nos. 10 and 12 but rebounded with three birdies in the next six holes, capped by a long putt on the par-5 18th.

But he remained cautious of the strong competition with Minwook and several others staying within striking distance.

Minwook, who tied for fifth in last week's PGT Q-School at South Pacific, struck back from a double bogey on No. 12 with an eagle on the next and a birdie on No. 18 to fire a 71, moving to solo second at 144

Local talents Tony Lascuña and Jay Bayron also positioned themselves as contenders, along with 10 others, including fellow Davaoeños Zanieboy Gialon and Edmar Salvador Jr.

Lascuña, the Tour's only four-time OOM winner who ruled this event in 2019, carded a 70, propelling him to third at 145, while Bayron, out to snap a long title spell, likewise remained in the hunt with a 72 for a 146, catching Gialon and first round joint leader Ozeki Kakeru from Japan.

Gialon, who last won at Caliraya Springs in 2022, blew a one-under card with bogeys in the last two holes at the front for a 73, while Kakeru also reeled back in a frontside finish, dropping strokes on Nos. 6 and 8 for a 74.