STA. ROSA, Laguna — Micah Shin turned what could have been a survival day at The Country Club (TCC) Invitational into a statement, mounting a late-charge rally to take a commanding three-shot lead after the second round Wednesday.

With 36 holes left, he’s now firmly in position to chase a repeat of his 2018 triumph, when he edged Miguel Tabuena by a single stroke.

The venerable TCC lived up to its reputation. While the first round had been unusually forgiving with softer greens and lighter winds, the second round slammed the field with gusty winds, swirling at tricky angles, and baking heat that tested both stamina and precision. Scores soared as even seasoned players found the layout merciless.

Shin, after slipping to one-over through 11 holes, found his stride when it mattered most — striking three birdies in four holes from No. 12, then shrugging off a late bogey on 17 to post the day’s only under-par round, a 71. That gritty effort lifted him to two-under 142, giving him breathing room over a pack of proven challengers, including Tabuena, Clyde Mondilla, two-time champion Guido van der Valk, and Korea’s Jaehyun Jung.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect to lead today,” said Shin. “It’s pretty windy out there. I drove well, my short game and putting weren’t perfect, but I hung in there.” He added with a grin, “Actually, I was playing better at the front, but nothing was going my way. At the back, I made three birdies and saved par on the last hole.”

Shin’s comeback underlined his experience and poise. After missing several editions of the P6.5-million championship, the Filipino star returned sharper thanks to regional tour stints — and he insists he’s still not at full strength. “I think I’m not still playing to my game, but I played okay. I just have to stay humble,” he said.

The course proved punishing for many of his rivals. Van der Valk, who opened with a 67 to lead the first round, was battered by the wind, closing with four bogeys in his last six holes for a 78, dropping him to 145. Tabuena struggled early with three bogeys in six holes but steadied with a birdie on No. 8, salvaging a 73. Mondilla, who started with a 68, posted a 77 after a double bogey on the fifth and bogeys on 11 and 14. Jung’s 74 keeps him in the hunt as a potential dark horse, while Carl Corpus, Angelo Que, Sean Ramos and Keanu Jahns all faltered under the brutal conditions.

Shin’s commanding but not untouchable lead reflects TCC’s reputation: no lead is safe, and no deficit insurmountable. With gusts shifting unpredictably, greens exposed to wind, and angles demanding near-perfect precision, the course promises another dramatic showdown over the weekend.

“Every hole here can make or break you,” said Shin. “I’ve got a lead, but I know the tournament isn’t over. I just have to stay patient, stick to my game, and keep calm.”

With two-time champion Frankie Miñoza withdrawing due to illness, the leaderboard is tighter than ever. Shin’s gritty performance shows he’s ready for the test — but the storm isn’t over, and the challengers remain hungry. At The Country Club, the back nine often decides the story — and this week, it’s shaping up to be another epic.