Miñoza closes in on Sabah Masters leaders

MANILA, Philippines - Frankie Miñoza birdied the 18th to salvage a two-under 69 and move within one off Thais Wisut Artjanawat and Ratchapoi Jantavara and Vietnam’s Michael Tran in the third round of the Sabah Masters at the Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

The veteran Filipino campaigner, winner here in 1989, showed up the young guns with a 69 and 71 and stayed within striking distance with three birdies in the first 10 holes yesterday. But after a slew of pars, he four-putted the par-3 17th and needed a chip-in birdie on the final hole to save a 69 and a 209.

That was one stroke off Artjanawat and Jantavara, who both fired 65s, while erstwhile solo leader Tran slowed down with a 70 as the troika pooled a 208, guaranteeing a shootout for the crown.

“I will go for it tomorrow (today) and try and beat these young guys,” said Miñoza, who won seven times in Japan during the peak of his career.

Miñoza, who also won three tournaments in last year’s ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour, including the elite The Country Club Invitational, now spends most of his time playing on the Japan Seniors Tour where he has claimed a title in each of the past three seasons.

Tony Lascuña, the back-to-back champion of the ICTSI PGT, also put himself in title contention with a flawless four-under 67 for a 210, two shots off the pace and in a tie with Thai Sattaya Supupramai, who had a 70.

Tran is looking for his first win since turning professional in 2008 and what would be a landmark performance for his country where golf is very much in its infancy. He is one of only two Vietnamese touring professionals.

“It was fun today. I played with Frankie (Miñoza) and Sattaya Supupramai. We made a load of birdies and the lead kept changing,” said the 24-year-old Tran.

Charles Hong also shot a 69 to join Thai Somkiat Srisanga at 211 while the other Filipino bets stood too far behind, including Mhark Fernando at 215 after a 73, Mars Pucay at 216 after a 71, and Marvin Dumandan at 217 after a 73.