Miñoza bid for 2nd title in a row starts today

TRECE MARTIREZ, Cavite—Frankie Miñoza puts his bid for a second straight title in motion today as he leads a banner field seeing action in the P2.5 million kickoff leg of the 2013 ICTSI Tour the Sherwood Hills Classic here.

The 53-year-old, who won the P5-million The Country Club Invitational via a three-man playoff in Laguna last month, is the hands-down favorite in the event which has been won by Elmer Salvador the last two years.

Jay and Rufino Bayron, the men Miñoza defeated in the playoffs at the Country Club, are also entered even as the circuit has opened its doors to foreign qualifiers for the first time with former Philippine Open runnerup Guido Van Der Valk leading the way.

The event is backed by Sharp, Nike Golf, Callaway, Titleist, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno, Cleveland Golf, Foot Joy, Event Captain Inc., Omnisource Inti’l. TPGAP and media partners Balls, A Round of Golf, Inquirer Golf, Studio 23 and Pinoygolfer.com.

Ababa pressed his title bid by leading his team composed of Robert Alarilla, Daudo Go and Mac Hermoso to victory in yesterday’s pro-am tournament with a 56.