Miñoza loses semifinal match to Taiwanese b

Frankie Miñoza fell short of his bid in the Japan PGA Matchplay Championship, bowing to Taiwanese Lin Keng-chi, 3 and 2, in the semifinal round of the $660,000 event at the Nidon Classic course in Tomakomai, Japan yesterday.

Miñoza hurdled his morning quarterfinal match with Colombia’s Eduardo Herrera via a come-from-behind 2-1 victory, but blew an early 2-hole lead over Lin in their afternoon duel and lost the chance to gain a crack at the top $250,000 purse.

It was indeed a sorry setback for the ace Filipino shotmaker who had looked forward to a final stint after going 2-up over Lin after six holes. But the Taiwanese fought back to win the next hole and after both players halved No. 8, Lin took the next two to gain the upperhand.

Miñoza fell by two holes after losing No. 12 and although he won the next hole, Lin couldn’t be denied the victory as he won Nos. 15 and 16 to wrap up the match.

Earlier, Miñoza battled back from two holes down to turn back Herrera, winning Nos. 11 and 14 to draw level before taking Nos. 16 and 17 for the victory.

Despite the loss, the 41-year-old Miñoza is assured of the fourth place purse of $60,000 (P3 million).