ILOILO, Philippines – Fidel Concepcion showcased his readiness for the bigger stage, firing a gritty 67 under challenging windy conditions to fend off a field of seasoned contenders and maintain his two-stroke lead halfway through the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club here on Wednesday.

But two superb rounds are just the beginning for a potential champion. Concepcion faces a tough field of past winners, all eager to challenge his lead and the road to his first victory in the Philippine Golf Tour after four years of close calls will demand more than momentum.