The pint-sized Rupert Zaragosa stood tallest in conditions so brutal that they all but determined the outcome of the P2.5-million ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic at the old, tree-lined course in Bacolod formerly known as Marapara.

Just when everyone practically folded when howling gusts, rain and muddied fairways made the challenge more difficult, Zaragosa completed the final six holes of his second round at one-under to shoot a four-under-par 66 and take a commanding six-shot lead into the final round that is in danger of not being played at all on Friday.

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The last leg of the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) season was supposed to be a 72-hole event, before organizers announced on Wednesday that it will be shortened to 54 after a big chunk of the second round was wiped out because of flooded fairways and bunkers.

And with Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” not easing up, chances are Zaragosa will bag the second title of his career without hitting a shot on Friday. Or if play does resume, Antonio Lascuña and Reymon Jaraula are faced with a steep trek by trying to overhaul a six-shot deficit in the same conditions.