Ben Leong is in the lead
Edven Ying started his second round on a dismal note when he bogeyed three of his first four holes, but saw his fortunes turn around on his second nine, exploding with three eagles on the three par 5s.
Ying, who started on the back nine, made the turn in two-over having added a birdie three on the 15th. Then came his three eagles on holes 2, 5 and 6 which were achieved like this: One putt, one chip-in and one slam dunk from 105 yards.
Despite all this, Ying finished with a two-under 68 for a two-day aggregate of 132 to lie joint second with Daeng Rahman and Khor Kheng Hwai. All three trail tournament leader veteran Ben Leong by three strokes.
“My putting let me down,” said 22-year-old Edven, winner of the Vios Cup at Templer Park Country Club exactly a year ago. “I could have had a better score but my game is there and I’m confident I will be in contention tomorrow.”
Leong raised six birdies against a double bogey to card a four-under 66. He’s now at 11 under and looking towards his first Toyota Tour win.
“I’ve been seeing a new coach, Kevin Smeltz who’s based at the PGA Academy, Mission Hills in Shenzen, China,” said Leong. “He’s using tech tools to help me with my swing and it seems to be coming together.”
Marcus Lim moved up a few rungs when he carded a three-under 67 to lie joint fifth with Wilson Choo and Nicholas Fung. “Five shots behind the leader so I guess I have to go really deep tomorrow and try to catch them,” said Lim who felt he wasn’t focused enough on some shots.
Mirabel Ting
Meanwhile amateur Mirabel Ting shot a two-under 68 to snatch the lead with a 140 two-day aggregate. Overnight leader Geraldine Wong carded a 72 and trails Miri-born Ting by three shots going into the final round. Lying third is Michelle Koh a further six strokes behind.
“Wasn’t too happy with my game,” said Ting. “Could have been much better but I can’t complain with where I am now, leading a tournament by three strokes. Ting is an undergraduate at the Florida State University in Tallahassee and will complete her degree in 2026.
“Not thinking of turning pro yet, but I will, after graduation. Not sure if I will continue to stay on and play in the US or come back and play in the Asia Pacific region,” added Ting who had five birdies against three bogeys.
Meanwhile, Kalulong Sdn Bhd, which is sponsoring the hole-in-one prizes of RM3,000 each per day, has raised the stakes to RM10,000 to anyone who scores a hole-in-one on Holes 8 and 14 in the final round tomorrow.
Kalulong boss Mr Andy Hii Siik Kiong said he was very impressed with the tournament and was appreciative the players made their efforts to come all the way and compete in Sibu. “Our professionals need all the help they can get and Kalulong is proud to do our part,” said Hii, confirming that even if there is more than one ace, anyone who achieves it will receive RM10,000.
Kalulong is a leading dealer of Toyota vehicles in Sibu.
