In-form Ervin Chang continued from where he left off after winning the Mirai Cup when he carded a superb 5-under 67 to lead the Hilux Cup by one stroke over local hero Ben Leong at the Sabah Golf & Country Club here.
The 24-year-old Kajang boy who was in a marquee group comprising Ben and Shahriffuddin Ariffin, started off his front nine with two bogeys and three birdies to make the turn in one under. He had a flawless second nine with four birdies thanks to a hot putter to shoot a four-under 32.
“It was a thrill playing against Ben and Shahriffuddin today,” said Ervin who looked very composed throughout the 18 holes despite the under hot conditions. “The weather wasn’t too kind and it hardened the greens. It wasn’t the start I wanted but I’m glad I stayed focused and finished my round well.”
Ervin won the second leg in Kuching two weeks ago, beating Shahriffuddin by six strokes. The Hilux Cup is the third leg of the Toyota Tour that was launched in January. The opening event was the Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy at Saujana GCC, won by Danny Chia who is playing on the Japan Seniors Tour this month.
Local hero Ben Leong is one stroke behind leader Ervin Chang
Ben was happy playing a Toyota Tour event on a course where he honed his skills. “It was nice to see a small crowd waiting for me at the finishing hole. I’m only one stroke behind Ervin so I’m comfortable where I am, but there’s still plenty of golf ahead.”
Wafiyuddin Manaf surprised himself by finishing alone in third place when he carded a three-under 69, followed by Galven Green a further stroke adrift. Rookie pro Ryan Fernandez, Shahriffuddin and Aretha Pan were in joint fifth at one-under.
Wafiyuddin, pursuing a Masters in Sports Development, shot four birdies against a bogey. He hasn’t won a tournament since turning pro in 2015. “I’ve come close but still I’d love to have one under my belt,” said Wafiyuddin.
Aretha Pan made 5 birdies in a row
Aretha is one of three ladies competing against the men. The other two are Vivienne Chin (+4) and amateur Charlayne Chong (+8)who registered the only eagle of the day at the Par 4 eighth. Reigning Sabah Amateur Open champion Nasrullah Zulkifli is the leading amateur at one-over. He won the Best Amateur title at the Mirai Cup in Kuching.
