Friday May 13, 2011, 10:55 AM

Himmat Rai of India and local hope Jay Bayron shared the halfway lead at the ICTSI Philippine Open on Friday, with both players chasing their maiden Asian Tour victory.

Rai posted a two-under-par 70 to tie with Bayron, who returned with a 69, on a two-day total of six-under-par 138 in the $300,000 event held at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

Rookies Berry Henson of the United States and Daisuke Kataoka of Japan were a stroke back with South African Jbe Kruger, who finished second three times last year.

Thailand's Panuphol Pittayarat bounced back from two opening bogeys with a solid 69 to lie in sixth place, two strokes from the leaders.

Rai, 23, was on seven-under after 15 holes but swirling winds threw him off track when he dropped his second bogey of the day on the 16th hole.

"It was hot out there and the wind picked up later in the afternoon. The wind was swirling but I managed my shots well to give myself a chance in the weekend," said Rai.

Bayron fired four birdies against one bogey with the highlight of his round coming on the 14th hole when his eagle attempt from 97 yards out stopped mere inches from the cup.

He was introduced to the game of golf at the age of 13 when he caddied in a local golf club.

"This is a very difficult golf course and I'm very surprised to shoot six-under after two rounds. Winning on the Asian Tour especially my national Open will be a dream come true," smiled the 32-year-old.

Henson, 31, continued his rich vein of form.

He was delighted to be in the mix when he made a pivotal up-and-down par save on the 17th hole after his tee shot found the fairway bunker.

"I felt like I escaped with my score. If I can get my putter going, I will be dangerous in the weekend," said Henson.

Thailand's rising star Panuphol kept his emotions intact after two early bogeys and was rewarded with five birdies as he returned with 69.

"I was frustrated when I bogeyed the first two holes but I tried to maintain my tempo and emotions. My goal was to make the cut but now I'm hoping to finish in the top-five," said the 18-year-old.

© 2011 AFP/sid