Rosales 7th in Macau; Miñoza 44th in Japan

Gerald Rosales made sure he would come into the Philippine Open with an extra dose of confidence.

The former RP Open champion carded a 72 and made a top 10 finish in the Macau Open yesterday in what could be a big morale boost for the Filipino shotmaker, one of the spearheads of the local contingent in the $200,000 Philippine Open unfolding Thursday at Wack Wack.

Rosales could’ve actually finished better if not for his bogey and double bogey mishaps in the final two holes that slowed down his bid in the $300,000 event ruled by Kane Webber of Australia.

Webber coasted to a three-shot win over compatriot Scott Barr, finishing with a 70 for a 275. Barr also shot a 70 and wound up with a 278.

Cookie La’O carded a 77 for a share of 35th with 290.

Juvic Pagunsan, who missed the cut in Macau, heads the locals’ bid in the RP Open.

Over in Japan, Frankie Miñoza limped with a 74, ending up in joint 44th in the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup won by Kiyoshi Miyazato (66-277) at the Tojigaoka Marine Hills Golf Club in Okayama, Japan.

Miñoza finished with a 287 for a share of 44th place with three others.