Miñoza, Lascuna 2 shots off lead

MANILA, Philippines - Frankie Miñoza and Tony Lascuna turned in identical two-under 70s in contrasting fashions to trail Jason Knutzon of Australia and Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat by two strokes at the start of the Asian Tour International at the Suwan Golf and Country Club in Thailand yesterday.

Miñoza holed out with a bogey on the par-5 18th, missing joining five others in fifth place and settling for 12th with 18 others in the opener of the $300,000 event serving as the kickoff leg of this year’s Asian Tour.

Lascuna, on the other hand, rallied with three birdies at the frontside on his homeward trip for a 33-37 card.

Ferdie Aunzo bogeyed No. 16 and carded a one-under 71 in his Asian Tour debut to join a big group that includes Juvic Pagunsan, who bogeyed two of the last three holes at the front for a 35-36 round.

Marvin Dumandan blew a three-under card with a bogey on No. 14 and a double-bogey on No. 17 and wound up with an even par 72.

The three other Filipino bets, however, stood below the projected cutoff line with over par scores, including recent The Country Club Invitational winner Angelo Que, who had a 74 in a round marred by two double bogeys on Nos. 16 and 18.

Jay Bayron also had a 74 while Mars Pucay, who teed off in the afternoon, turned in a two-over par card after nine holes.

Artemio Murakami, who topped the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage last month, retired after three holes due to injury.