India’s Hitaashee Bakshi overcame a marathon day by returning to the clubhouse with a four-under-par 68 to be among the 37 out of 132 players to finish their second round at the weather-hit Singapore Ladies Masters on Saturday.
Chinese teenager Wang Zixuan also heaved a sigh of relief as the 16-year-old returned with a 70 for a two-day total of three-under-par 141 to ensure she remains in a good position for a shot at glory at the US$100,000 event which is sanctioned by the China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA).
Multiple suspensions throughout the day due to inclement weather conditions had forced play to be disrupted at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club. Play will now resume at 7.10a.m. on Sunday morning with first round leader Cai Danlin of China currently at six-under through four holes.
19-year-old Bakshi, a multiple winner on her domestic tour and also playing on the Thai LPGA, where she topped the Qualifying School this year, kept her composure as she braved not only the elements but also fatigue to keep herself in contention
“I played 28 holes today and this is the most number of holes I’ve played! I came at 5.30a.m. in the morning. It was a super long day and very tiring. But I’m glad I managed to pull it off today.
“When I started making birdies, I just felt like, the rhythm’s getting up and then all of a sudden, they put the siren on again and the game stops. It was mentally exhausting but physically, I’ve already prepared myself to play in conditions like this,” said Bakshi, who traded six birdies against two bogeys.
Wang Zixuan of China. Photo credit: Singapore Ladies Masters
Wang was also relieved she could complete her rounds after braving the testing conditions.
“I’m just so happy I managed to finish my rounds today. It was really a very long day and I had to play 26 holes today. It was a demanding test but overall, I’m just pleased I managed to finish the round and put myself in a good position for the final round on Sunday.
In the Malaysian contingent, only JX Ng managed to complete her second round. Despite already playing nine holes to finish her first round in the morning and then completing another 18 holes, she displayed resilience by returning with an even-par performance.
The SEA Games gold medallist, though physically and mentally drained, was content with her round. Another Malaysian amateur, Winnie Ng, was unable to begin her second round due to the weather disruptions. She is scheduled to play the second round on Sunday, potentially facing a challenge of 36 holes if she makes the projected cut at 8-under.
As for the three professionals in the field – Aretha Pan, Geraldine Wong, and Jocelyn Chee – they had only played one hole before play was halted for the day due to diminishing sunlight.
The Singapore Ladies Masters, sanctioned by the China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA) is the only tournament on China’s premier women’s golf circuit held outside China in their 2024 season.
The top 60 professional players, along with ties, from the opening two rounds will advance to the final round of the Singapore Ladies Masters on Sunday.
Organised by LLD Sports, the Singapore Ladies Masters is sponsored by Marina Bay Sands and CarTimes Group and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board.
