The big guns and the rising stars broke out of the gates hard, and more than half the field broke or matched par on a scorching hot Tuesday to give a glimpse of how wide-open the chase for top honors is in the P2.5 million ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship in Cavinti, Laguna.

Angelo Que, the ever-smiling 46-year-old, and up-and-coming Carl Corpus carved out six-under-par 66s to lead six players by two shots, another four by three, and a motley crew of talent that is within striking distance as the talented field solved the Arnold Palmer-designed gem with impunity in the first round.

“I didn’t come (into the week) with a target (score),” Que, a former Philippine Open champion seeking a third win this season, said. “I’m hitting it well, feeling healthy, and mentally, I’m ready. I’m confident, but we’ll see. Things can still change.”

Que had six birdies in a backside 32—his opening nine—before picking up shots on Nos. 1 and 4 as he remained hot after those two wins and a joint second place finish in the first three stops of the circuit.

Corpus, the rookie who is half Que’s age, spiked his round with an eagle 2 on the second before mixing six birdies and two bogeys the rest of the way as he resumes to break through on the local circuit.

“I knew I hit a good one. I thought it would be close, and then (the ball disappeared into the cup),” Corpus said, referring to hissecond shot from 78 yards out with a 58-degree wedge for that eagle. “It doesn’t happen often so it was a really good feeling.”

Former PH Masters champion Jessie Balasabas, who has spent the year rededicating himself back into the game, made his most impressive start of the season by firing a 68 to be in the company of Kristoffer Arevalo, Russell Bautista, Fidel Concepcion, Jay Bayron and Justin Quiban.

Lurking anither stroke back is a group led by another rookie in Jeff Lumbo, who later this month will be heading to Japan together with benefactor Gary Sales to try his luck in Qualifying School of that lucrative tour.

In Lumbo’s group are Jonel Ababa, Josh Jorge and Rupert Zaragosa.

Meanwhile, South Korean Kim Seoyun returned a 69 to take a one-shot lead over Sarah Ababa in the 54-hole ladies side that also promises to be close.

Princess Superal threw away the chance to share the lead after closing out bogey-bogey for a 71 like Martina Miñoza and Florence Bisera, with the veteran Chihiro Ikeda shooting a 72 to keep Kim in sight. INQ