RP GOLF PRO LEADS $1.2-M SUMITOMO -VISA MASTERS
Goemba, Japan, Nov. 15, 1998 - Filipino Frankie Miñoza leads a star-studded field with a stirring five-under-par 67 as he took a one-shot lead yesterday over Lee Westwood going into the final 18 holes of the $1.2 million Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters.
Miñoza battled from three shots down and swept past overnight leader Nobuo Serizawa, fumbling with a 75, with that 67 for a 54-hole aggregate of 205, 11-under at the par-72 Taiheiyo Club's Gotemba course. He had earlier rounds of 68 and 70.
"I worked so hard for the Presidents Cup. I'll try again next time," said Miñoza, the Asian Tour champion who narrowly failed to win an automatic slot in the International team.
Out to foil Miñoza's bid for a second title this season and the top $220,000 purse is Westwood, the two-time defending champion who matched the Filipino's five-under-card to 206. First round leader Eduardo Herrera shot a 68 to tie Hajime Meshiai, firing a 65, and Toru Taniguchi, shooting a 66, at 207.
Tateo Ozaki, tied with Miñoza at second at the start of the round, had a 71 for a 209 while Serizawa fell at 210 in a tie with Masashi Ozaki, who had a 69.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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