Frankie Minoza lived up to his nickname of “The Boss” by making a strong move during round three of the weather-affected Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open, leaving him well placed to become the first Filipino winner and the seventh oldest champion in the history of The European Tour.
The 47 year old was preparing to hole out at the 18th for a round of five under par 66 when lightning suspended play at Damai Indah Golf & Country Club for a third day in a row.
As the horn sounded at 2.45pm local time, Minoza was on eight under par for the tournament and one stroke ahead of the chasing pack led by Mikko Ilonen of Finland and Suk Jong-yul of Korea.
Australian Tour rookie Andrew Tampion, who had shared the second round lead with Ilonen, was next on five under but with all of the top still having holes to play, the clubhouse lead belonged to Tony Carolan of Australia and Shiv Kapur of India at four under par 209.
After two level par rounds, Carolan made his move with six birdies against two dropped shots for a score of 67 and is now looking at challenging for his maiden European Tour title.
“I was in the final group at the Johnnie Walker Classic last year, but hopefully the boys left out on the course don’t pull away too far so I’ll be able to catch them in the final round. I’m definitely looking at making a charge for the title.
“Driving it long is key here, but it requires good putting as well. Frankie is in a good position as he is putting and driving consistently well,” said Carolan, the 2002 South Australian PGA Championship winner.
Ironically, it was a rare wayward drive on the 455 yard 18th that prevented Minoza from finishing his round. The man from Manila drove his ball among some plants on the right side of the fairway and from there he could only hit a 52 degree wedge back into the fairway, before knocking a sand wedge to 15 feet left of the pin.
But as he prepared to putt for par, the horn sounded and the players were called off the course. An attempt was made to restart at 5.20pm, but to no avail, meaning 27 players will have to tee up at 7.10am on Sunday in order to complete their third rounds.
The situation would have frustrated many players but not Minoza, who has a reputation for being one of the coolest customers on the Asian Tour.
“It’s just part of the game – I’m not frustrated. It was quite funny really. I hit a lot of good shots today and have taken a lot of confidence from my win at the Philippines Open two weeks ago,” said Minoza. "I also had laser surgery on my eyes in December and that has improved my vision tremendously on the course. I was short-sighted, but now I can see much further."
Having previously won the Indonesia Open in 1986 and 1990, Minoza is especially keen to make it a hat-trick this week as the event is now part of The European Tour International Schedule and comes with a priceless two year exemption. “Winning on The European Tour would be a dream come true for me,” he confirmed.
Kapur has already earned full playing rights to The 2007 European Tour International Schedule through his performances while an Affiliate Member last year, and the classy Indian moved into contention with a two under par 69 that contained five birdies and three bogeys.
He said: “I’m pleased with my score because it was blowing strong out there today. It was also really humid - it’s tough to keep your concentration when you are dripping like a tap.
“I was a bit disappointed with my round yesterday but I’m in a good position now and have a chance tomorrow.”
Alongside Carolan and Kapur on four under par are four players who have to complete their rounds tomorrow morning. They are England’s Gareth Davies and the Thai trio of Chapchai Nirat, Chawalit Plaphol and Thammanoon Srirot.
