Miñoza has maiden win; Bisera up
Adrian Bisera demolished the first ICTSI Junior PGT field he played against, and Crista Miñoza finally became a winner after several tries on Friday when they finished off their respective 15-18 divisions in the South Pacific Championship in Davao.
Bisera won by 11 strokes despite signing for a double bogey on the 54th hole, his level 72 over the well-manicured course giving him a 216 total, while Miñoza used a six-shot overnight lead to cushion a wobbly final round and win a leg on her fourth try.
A niece of the legendary Frankie Miñoza, Crista checked in with a 78 and won by two shots over Merry Rose Wacan, whose rally fell short after a 74. Zero Plete was third another seven shots behind after an 83.
“That double bogey happened because I got nervous–there were so many people watching,” the 17-year-old Bisera said in Filipino. “I just tried to stay relaxed, chatted with my flightmates, and had a few laughs to ease the tension.”
A Davao bet in AJ Wacay checked in with a 77 for second place, with Armand Copok, chasing a breakthrough after narrow losses at Del Monte (third) and Pueblo de Oro (second), slipped to third after a 79 for 228.
“I’m really thankful for this victory, winning feels amazing,” said the 17-year-old Miñoza. “This win means a lot to me. All the hard work and training really paid off.”
With their victories, Bisera and Miñoza joined other category winners in boosting their respective bids for spots in the Elite Junior Finals set Oct. 7 to Oct. 10 at The Country Club in Laguna.
To make the cut, players must compete in at least three legs in either the Luzon or Visayas-Mindanao Series, with the top four per division earning berths.
