Minoza moves up the Order of Merit

The Filipino legend became the third oldest winner on the Asian Tour with Sunday's triumph in the Philippine Open and jumped into second place on the UBS Order of Merit behind new leader Liang Wen-chong of China.

At a ripe age of 47, Minoza, who has won 14 previous titles across Asia and Japan, is showing that he's not past his prime and is now targeting more success at this week's co-sanctioned Maybank Malaysian Open.

Liang replaced Malaysia's Airil Rizman Zahari at the top of the UBS Order of Merit where his third place finish in Manila, worth US$18,300, propelled the rising Chinese star into the lead with a haul of US$64,950.

Minoza trails closely behind on US$55,250, with Airil slipping back to third place on US$50,126 following his tied 28th finish in the Philippine Open, the third leg of this season's Asian Tour.

All eyes will certainly be on the evergreen Minoza at Saujana Golf and Country Club after a week where he outfoxed and outlasted his younger opponents. "I have been keeping myself fit by going to the gym almost everyday, even on weeks when there are no events," revealed Minoza, who won his home Open as well in 1998.

"That is the key. When you get older, you have to work out. I do a lot of running and weights. That’s how I stay in shape and I've been able to cope with the ever growing competitive game at my age."

An established name in Asia where he has won six times on the Japan Tour, Minoza's fortunes dipped in 2004 after losing his card there. He returned to Asia to reestablish himself with top-30 finishes on the UBS Order of Merit over the past two years and also regained his playing rights in Japan.

Nicknamed the "Cool Cat" by the media, Minoza came close at last year's season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia in Bangkok where he challenged for the title before finishing second behind Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand.

Another impressive performance came at the recent Commercialbank Qatar Masters. At five-over-par for the tournament through 27 holes, Minoza produced an amazing recovery with five birdies over his last nine holes to make the halfway cut right on the mark when others would have simply thrown in the towel.

"I will try to play more events to strengthen my position on the UBS Order of Merit. This year, I hope to finish in the top-three and this is definitely a good start towards reaching my goal.

"I will play in Japan as well, so it’ll be hard to win the Order of Merit here but I’ll still focus on a top three finish," he said.

Liang's stature as a rising star continues to grow as he moved atop the ranking for the first time in his career. However, the 28-year-old still yearns for a long-awaited victory, coming so close in Manila when he led for the opening two rounds before losing out to his regular practice partner on the Japan Tour.

"Although I am happy with my position, I will have to start winning tournaments. Right now, anyone can overtake me. I want to enjoy a win and open up a gap. That’s my goal," said Liang.

A closing 65 saw Gerald Rosales of the Philippines earn runner-up place in his home Open which got him entry into this week's event by virtue of being inside the top-five of the UBS Order of Merit.

It was a welcome return to form for the talented Rosales, who does not hold full playing rights on the Asian Tour. But with US$34,972 in the already, the slightly-built Filipino is on track to regain his full status.

"All I have to do now is to maintain my performance and continue to deliver some good results," said Rosales, whose sister Jennifer is a star on the LPGA Tour. "I want to try and win one event this year and finish in the top-10 on the UBS Order of Merit, and I will work towards that goal," said Rosales.

UBS ORDER OF MERIT – TOP-20

Pos Player Winnings (US$)

1. LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 64,940

2. Frankie MINOZA (PHI) 55,250

3. Airil Rizman ZAHARI (MAS) 50,126

4. Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 46,640

5. Gerald ROSALES (PHI) 34,972

6. Simon HURD (ENG) 32,600

7. Scott HEND (AUS) 32,550

8. Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 23,540

8. Edward MICHAELS (USA) 23,540

10. Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 22,685