DAVAO CITY – Jeffren Lumbo showed that calm, courage and conviction can weather even the challenging conditions.

The rookie from Sarangani displayed the poise of a battle-tested veteran as he staved off relentless challenges from a mix of seasoned rivals, grinding out a gutsy two-under 70 under steady drizzle to hold off Ryan Monsalve halfway through the ICTSI South Pacific Golf Classic here on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

That he did it in wet, demanding conditions – where softened fairways, roughs and slick greens punished the slightest lapse – spoke volumes about the 29-year-old’s growing stature and steely mindset.

“Mahirap ang kondisyon, lalo na ang pin placement,” said Lumbo, who three-putted on No. 6 for a bogey and suffered another setback with an errant tee shot on the par-3 No. 15, resulting in another bogey. Despite these miscues, he carded a 35-35 round highlighted by four birdies, including an impressive run of three birdies over four holes from No. 10 to stay ahead of the packed at seven-under 137.

And while he sustained his form, the rest struggled to keep pace.

As the Philippine Golf Tour’s established stars faltered, Monsalve seized the challenger’s role with a two-day total of 139, bolstering his bid for a breakthrough victory with an impressive bogey-free 68. Russell Bautista also carded a four-under round to secure solo third at 140, as the tour’s lesser-known contenders positioned themselves for a potential shake-up in the P3.5 million event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“I played some good second shots today. I understood the course better and kind of knew where to place my shots,” said Monsalve, whose overnight turnaround produced birdies on Nos. 2, 8, 13 and 14.

Enjoying one of his most impressive starts, Monsalve hopes to sustain his solid form through the next two rounds.

“I’ll focus on hitting the fairways and putting myself in good positions on the greens,” he said.

Del Monte leg runaway winner Reymon Jaraula turned in an eagle-spiked 71 to join Korean Jaehyun Jung at joint fourth with 141s. Jung, who lost to Fidel Concepcion in sudden death at Apo last week, unleashed a three-birdie barrage over four holes from No. 15 to card a 70.

Ramil Bisera, on the other hand, capitalized on his local knowledge to fire a 69 and tie Michael Bibat, who matched his opening 71, at 142.

Angelo Que and Keanu Jahns, locked in a heated chase for a third leg crown this season, pooled identical 143s for a share of eighth with Marvin Dumandan, who carded an even-par 72.

A three-time Asian Tour champion, Que rebounded from a shaky opening 76 with a sizzling 67, highlighted by four birdies on his front nine.

Jahns, meanwhile, overcame a faltering 39 on the back with a solid 33 coming home to salvage a 72.

But the Tour’s big guns found themselves in the chasing pack, trailing a trio of unfancied yet determined contenders.

“Sinunod ko lang ang plano ko – target ang fairways at greens, at kapag sinuwerte, one-putt,” said Lumbo, admitting that the pressure began to creep in while he held the lead for the second consecutive day.

“Medyo ramdam ko na yung pressure, pero ie-enjoy ko lang ang laro ko,” he said. “Hindi ko na iniisip ang mga kalaban – focus lang ako para manatiling kalmado.”

Focused he was – and fearless, too.

Posting the only bogey-free card (67) in the first round, Lumbo remained undeterred despite early challenges. After trading a birdie on the second hole with a bogey on the sixth, he ignited a fiery mid-round surge, birdying Nos. 9 and 10, then again dominating the par-5 12th for the second straight day. The stretch not only showcased his course management and deft touch but also highlighted the quiet hunger driving him toward a career-defining breakthrough.