Four open one-shot lead

ANTIPOLO, Philippines – A pair of former champions, a power-hitting Lipa-based journeyman chasing for the big one and an amateur from talent-rich Davao churned out similar four-under par 68s to force a four-way logjam at the top at the start of the P2 million Philippine Open at the Valley Golf Club here yesterday.

Frankie Miñoza, the most feared player in the fold in the absence of five of the top 10 players on the local circuit, birdied the final two holes in a typical Miñoza fashion, putting the two-time champion back on a familiar place after a disastrous double bogey mishap on No. 14 slowed down his charge.

“I feel I’m hitting better now,” said Miñoza, who skipped the pro-am event Tuesday due to ear infection but found it fit to play in the tournament proper.

Robert Pactolerin, at 49 still seeking a follow-up to his Open triumph at Wack Wack in 1990, surprised everybody, including himself, when he shot six birdies against two bogeys in probably his strongest start in years in a tournament of this magnitude.

Malarayat-based Orlan Sumcad, a consistent top 10 placer but never a winner on the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, shot an eagle-aided 68, putting himself in early contention but against two seasoned players and a host of others who stood just a stroke or two behind in the tournament sponsored by San Miguel Corp.

Amateur Zanie Boy Gialon actually headed for a big start but missed upstaging the pros when he three-putted the tough par-3 18th and settled for a 68.

“I’m happy with my effort,” said Gialon, a former caddy at Apo Golf who joined the ICTSI-The Country Club squad of coach Bong Lopez last year.

Elmer Salvador, seeking to become the first back-to-back champion in five decades, fired a three-under 69 for a three-way tie at fifth with Joenard Rates and Rufino Bayron.

Young Miguel Tabuena, the silver medalist in the recent Asian Games, held his ground against Miñoza and shot a two-under 70 to join the group of Antonio Asistio II, Russell Honrubia, Richard Abaring, Rey Pagunsad and Richard Sinfuego.

 Miñoza, who turns 51 late this month, played true to form in the early going and made the turn at four-under. But he got into trouble on No. 14 and holed out with a double-bogey on the 14th.

But the veteran campaigner recovered in time, coming through with birdies on Nos. 17 and 18 to regain a share of the lead.

The event is sponsored by San Miguel Corp. and backed by Pagcor, Orient Pearl, Amalgamated Motors (Phils.) Inc., Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Rudy Project, Yamaha Golf Car, Kilton Motor Corp, EFC and friends of NGAP, Club Car Phls. (hole-in-one sponsor) and A Round of Golf (media partner). Motorola is the event’s 2-way radio supplier.