Miñoza loses in playoff in seniors debut

MANILA, Philippines - Frankie Miñoza fell short of his title bid in his senior tour debut, bowing to Thai Boonchu Ruangkit in the second playoff hole for the Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters crown at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in Brunei yesterday.

Miñoza, tied with Ruangkit after two rounds, rode on a two-shot swing with a closing birdie as Ruangkit bogeyed No. 18 as they duo wound up with a pair of 66s for a 54-hole aggregate of 199.

Both players parred the first playoff hole but Ruangkit toughened up on the second hole, holing out with a par while Miñoza, 50, muffed his own bid to settle for runner-up honors. He took home P1.8 million while Ruangkit bagged the top P2.7 million purse.

Over in Malaysia, Anqelo Que had two birdies against a bogey for a 71 as he finished joint 10th in the Malaysian Open ruled by Korean Noh Seung-yul at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Malaysia yesterday.

Que, who stood just two shots off the lead at the halfway point, finished with eight-under 280 for a share of 10th with Peter Laurie (68), Mark Brown (66) and Rahil Gangjee (71). Each got $35,850 (P1.6 million).

Noh came from behind to fire a 68, birdying two of the last three holes to nip compatriot and PGA Tour veteran KJ Choi by one. He pooled a 14-under 274 and clinched the top purse of $333,333.

Choi grabbed the lead with a 33 after nine holes but could only dished out a run of pars in the first seven holes at the back from dropping a stroke on No. 17. He had a 69 and settled for runner-up honors at 275 worth $222,220.

Soren Hansen (70), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (71) and Rhys Davies (71) shared third place with 276s.

Mars Pucay carded a 73 and wound up in joint 44th at 288. He took home $10,600, Tony Lascuña also finished with a 73 for joint 56th at 290 worth $6,150, while Juvic Pagunsan ended up in joint 70th with a 293 after a 76. He won $3,159.