Malaysia’s Ng Jing Xuen climbed to second place at the CLPG Tour Qualifying Tournament on Friday, delivering an impressive three-under 69 at The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula West Course. The 16-year-old rookie pro trails leader Holly Victoria Halim of Indonesia by seven strokes going into the final round.
Halim continued her dominant form, carding a four-under 68 to extend her lead to seven shots with a 54-hole total of seven-under 209. She remains the only player under par, with Malaysia’s Ng at even par and Thailand’s Chakansim Khamborn one stroke further back in third after a 73.
Ng Jing Xuen, who turned professional in December 2024 following her win in the Singapore leg of the CLPG Q Development circuit, credited her strong iron play and improved putting for her surge up the leaderboard.
“Today my approach shots were really good, and my putting was slightly better than yesterday. I think everything just came together, and it was a good day for me,” said the Kuala Lumpur native. “Everyone wants to win, but tomorrow I just have to keep it simple and focus on playing one shot at a time.”
Winnie Ng
Meanwhile, fellow Malaysian Winnie Ng, who led after the first round, struggled in the challenging conditions. After rounds of 68 and 76, she posted an 80 in the third round to fall to joint 11th.
Halim, a second-year professional, maintained her composure despite the breezy conditions. Starting with a three-shot lead, the 19-year-old added birdies at the second, fourth, eighth, and 14th holes before finishing in style with a 35-foot birdie putt on the last.
“That putt—I didn’t expect to make a birdie. I just wanted to get the speed right and make two putts, but it went in,” said Halim. “I’m happy with my round. I didn’t set a target score today; I just focused on playing my best. It worked out well.”
Holly Victoria Halim of Indonesia
Chakansim Khamborn held her position as the top Thai player, carding four birdies, three bogeys, and a double bogey on the par-three 10th hole to remain in contention.
CLPG Tour Qualifying Tournament third round leading scores (Players are from mainland China unless indicated * denotes amateur)
209 – Holly Victoria Halim (INA) 71-70-68
216 – Ng Jing Xuen (MAS) 73-74-69
217 – Chakansim Khamborn (THA) 73-71-73
219 – Phisitkhwan Pooratanaopa (THA) 76-70-73, Thanita Muangkhumsakul (THA) 72-74-73,
Wang Zixuan 70-75-74
220 – Sitanart Singhanart (THA) 74-78-68
221 – Naphatsawan Pabsimma (THA) 71-75-75
222 – Chang Chih-yen (TWN) 75-72-75
223 – Napabhach Boon-In (THA) 73-72-78
224 – Siri Patchana (THA) 74-78-72, Liu Minshan 71-79-74, Meva Schmit (INA) 76-74-74,
Kanyawat Poomklay (THA) 73-77-74, Suttinee Ngamkhan (THA) 71-76-77,
Winnie Ng (MAS) 68-76-80
