RATES SHOWS UP MIÑOZA, BAYRON, PADS LEAD TO TWO

Jun Rates fended off Frankie Miñoza and Jay Bayron’s challenge with a poise of a veteran and came out unscathed with a bogey-free five-under 63, moving 18 holes away from nailing a breakthrough victory with a two-stroke lead over Tony Lascuña in the ICTSI Camp John Hay Championship in Baguio on Friday.

Ranged against two of the most fancied players in the fold, Rates thrived under pressure and instead came through with a solid game that completely baffled Minoza and Bayron, his flawless 33-30 card not only keeping him on top but also giving him a two-shot cushion with a 16-under 188 total after three rounds at the John Hay layout.