BACOLOD. – Little-known Albin Engino and legend Frankie Miñoza took different routes but produced the same results as they matched two-under 68s Wednesday to seize control in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Golf Classic presented by More Power here.
Engino, still in search of a breakthrough win in a long pro career, birdied two of the last four holes in a big frontside finish to save rounds of 35-33 while Miñoza fumbled with a bogey on No. 16 from the bunker in a late mishap that spoiled what could have been an explosive start for the multi-titled campaigner who posted his last victory here in 2016.
He signed for rounds of 32-36 card that still netted him a shared view of the top with Engino, one stroke ahead of an equally hot-finishing Ira Alido and gutsy Korean rookie pro Hyun Ho Rho, as majority of the stellar field struggled in the heat and wind around the short but tricky par-70 Marapara layout and ended up with soaring scores.
“I didn’t expect to go under. I just played it shot-by-shot and hole-by-hole. But it came out okay, so I’m so happy,” said Minoza, whose mere presence in the tour crowded by young, long hitters continues to be a troubling sight for the rest of the bidders.
He tied for eighth in last month’s The Country Club Invitational but ended up 11 strokes behind runaway winner Guido van der Valk.
“I’m just enjoying the game. Malakas ang hangin sa umpisa pa lang. Iba’t-iba ang kundisyon ng greens, may mabilis, may mabagal,” said Miñoza, who beat Miguel Tabuena in sudden death here seven years ago for his last title win on the Philippine Golf Tour.
Engino used a conservative approach to break a two-birdie, two-bogey card after 14 holes, birdying No. 6 then holing out with another feat on the ninth to join Miñoza at the helm.
“I played it safe and short throughout and made the most of my birdie chances,” said Engino, who wound up tied for 17th at TCC. “Medyo maganda ang resulta, may mga na-save na pars, may long putt at may chip-in. Mahangin pero kaya naman at ang greens, mabilis kumpara sa dati.”
A mix of aces and lesser lights stayed in early contention with Ferdie Aunzo, Jun Bernis, Reymon Jaraula, Korean Kim Min Seong, Tony Lascuña, Gerald Rosales, Nilo Salahog and Rupert Zaragosa all matching par 70s for joint fifth, and Jhonnel Ababa, Mars Pucay, Bonifacio Salahog and Dino Villanueva carding identical 71s.
