Ng Jing Xuen, who made history by becoming the first Malaysian to win the SEA Games gold medal last year, found herself back in the spotlight as she leads the second leg of the EFG-CLPGA Q series after completing the 36-hole opening test with flying colours at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club on Monday.
Participants in the 54-hole tournament must play 36 holes on the first day, with only the top 50 players and ties advancing to the third and final round on the second day.
Jing Xuen completed her first 18 holes with a one-over-par 73 and returned to the starting tee barely an hour later in the afternoon where she improved with a 71 to hold a one-shot lead over Thailand’s Shi Benxing.
Singapore’s Aloysa Atienza posted rounds of 72 and 74 to take third place while 13-year-old Sydnie Ng is in fourth place on 149 total after carding a 73 and 76.
Despite having to play 36 holes under the hot and humid weather conditions in Singapore, Jing Xuen took it in her stride as she navigated her way successfully past the 6,261 yards par-72 Masters course.
“It was better than what I had expected (the weather and her physical conditions). My rounds today were okay and I’m using this Q series as a platform to further test myself.
“I would like to start playing my tour events in China and Asia as that’s where I see myself when I eventually start my professional career,” said Jing Xuen.
The EFG-CLPGAQ series offers S$10,000 prize money to the top 10 players and ties, including amateurs and provides valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
For ladies like Atienza, it is also a qualifying pathway to the flagship CLPG Tour where former world No.1 and major winner Yin Ruoning, won her first three tournaments as a professional.
“The Q series is a good platform for the girls to compete in, as what’s up for grabs is the CLPGA card. My goal is to turn pro and as a rookie, I just want to do well, finish at the top in this series and hopefully earn my card,” said Atienza.
13-year-old Sydnie Ng from Singapore. Photo credit: LLD Sports
Sydnie Ng, who will feature in the final group alongside Jing Xuen, Atienza and Shi, is looking forward to continuing her charge with renewed confidence when she steps up to the tee again on Tuesday.
“It was very windy today, and the pin positions were not very easy. I just have to trust myself more tomorrow as I hesitated on a few holes and missed par and birdie opportunities. I will try to do better tomorrow,” said Sydnie, a Grade 7 student at St. Joseph’s Institution International.
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