ONE of the region's most exciting golfing prospects, Artemio Murakami (pic) from the Philippines, joined compatriot Michael Bibat in the lead at the halfway mark of the Mercedes-Benz Masters Malaysia at the Saujana Golf and Country Club yesterday.

Murakami, who recorded a breakthrough victory last year in Malaysia when he won the Asian Tour's Johor Open, carded a five-under 67 while Bibat shot a 71 for a six-under 138 total.

Malaysia's Ben Leong and Rashid Ismail are two off the lead after shooting rounds of 68 and 70 respectively.

Filipino Anthony Lascuna, the joint first round leader with Bibat, came in with a 72 to lie one stroke behind.

"I have been hitting it great for a while now but my putting has been killing me. Today (yesterday) I finally made some putts which is a relief as it has been a while. Still missed a few though," said Murakami.
A bogey on the first was soon forgotten when Murakami made four birdies in a row from the fourth and picked up birdies again on 11 and 13.

Bibat carded five birdies and four bogeys to continue to impress in his first season as a professional.

Leading scores, 2nd rd (Malaysia unless stated): 138 Artemio Murakami (Phi) 71-67, Michael Bibat (Phi) 67-71; 139 Anthony Lascuna (Phi) 67-72; 140 Rashid Ismail 70-70, Ben Leong 72-68; 141 Wisut Artjanawat (Tha) 68-73; 142 S. Murthy 71-71, P. Gunasegaran 69-73; 143 Varut Chomchalam (Tha) 71-72; 144 Sukree Othman 74-70, Ronnachai Jamnong (Tha) 74-70; 145 Shaaban Hussein 69-76, Borworn Chaisri (Tha) 71-74, Shaifubari Muda 73-72; 146 Mars Pucay (Phi) 73-73, Passamet Pokamnerd (Tha) 75-71, Airil Rizman 71-75.