Bayron, Miñoza surge ahead

TARLAC, Philippines — Jay Bayron outdueled Frankie Miñoza in a virtual shootout, coming away with a day-best 67 to rally from joint 10th and into a share of the lead with the legend from Del Monte in Bukidnon halfway through the ICTSI Luisita Championship here yesterday.

As Zanieboy Gialon and Michael Bibat lost their touch and rhythm after superb rounds that netted them the 1-2 spots after 18 holes, Bayron vaulted into contention with a solid backside 32 start while battling Miñoza shot-for-shot and putt-for-putt.

The seasoned Davaoeño then hung tough with a two-birdie, one-bogey effort at the front to tie the former Asian Tour No. 1 at 138.

Miñoza likewise went bogey-free at the back with a 34 in one of the early flights and matched Bayron’s frontside card to log a second straight 69 in an impressive 36-hole performance that mirrored the 63-year-old campaigner’s stint in Bacolod last March.

After a 66, Bibat fumbled with a 73 while Gialon limped home with a 74 after a solid 65. But the duo stayed just behind at 139 for joint third while defending champion Miguel Tabuena and Korean Kim Min Seong matched 140s after a 68 and 72, respectively, to make it a crowded leaderboard with 36 holes left in the P2 million championship put up by ICTSI.