The teams from South Korea and China (Hainan) showed their prowess to emerge as winners of the team and individual events at the third Selangor International Junior Golf Championship.
On an exciting final day at Kelab Golf Seri Selangor, Byun Jiyool coasted to victory in the girls’ individual event and powered the South Korean team to the girls’ team title. Meanwhile, Shijun Jing of China (Hainan) hung on to claim the boys’ individual title and led his team to top place in the boys’ team event.
Taking a three-shot lead into the third and final round, Byun ended her campaign with a two-over-par 74 for an even-par total of 216 (72, 70, 74). The 14-year-old finished three shots clear of Thailand’s Chutimon Rujiranan (71, 76, 72) and Malaysia’s Foong Zi Yu (72, 74, 73).
“I still can’t believe that I won! It feels unreal but I’m very happy. I really enjoyed playing in this event and my stay here,” said Byun.
First day leader Chutimon , who just turned 17,was pleased with her performance despite feeling unwell. “I didn’t feel my best as I had a bit of a stomach issue today, but I managed to handle it. I didn’t hit my driver that well because I think I was running low on energy, but it worked out fine and I got through,” she said.
Foong, representing Selangor, was happy with how she played over the three days. “I had a bit of trouble finding my pace today, but I’m glad I managed to finish strong on the last few holes. Overall, I’m quite pleased, but there are definitely a few things I can work on,” said Foong, who just finished her freshman year at Lipscomb University in the United States and will be transferring to the University of Nevada as a sophomore.
Byun Jiyool and her South Korean team-mates Ko Hana, Park Hayeon and Song Jia emerged winners in the girls’ team event
Byun and her South Korean team-mates Ko Hana, Park Hayeon and Song Jia were runaway winners in the girls’ team event with a three-day total of 657, based on the best three daily scores. They finished 27 shots ahead of Team Selangor (684), made up of Foong, Nur Batrisya Balqis, Aarti Ganesan and Divyasheni Gunasegar. The Indian quartet of Kashika Misra, Anvvi Dahhiya, Nishna Hemesh Patel and Lakshita Pragnya Siddabahtul were third on 691.
In the boys’ individual event, Jing survived a nervous finish to claim a three-stroke victory over Shinichi Suzuki of the Philippines. The slender Chinese player signed in a closing 72 for a total of six-under-par 210 (69, 69, 72) and a wire-to-wire victory.
“My round was quite good, actually, it was just the last few holes that I made a few mistakes as I was getting nervous and feeling tired. I made four birdies on the first nine but, after playing for three days, the fatigue started catching up and so a few mistakes that shouldn’t have happened, happened,” said Jing.
The victory earned Jing a coveted start in next week’s PKNS Selangor Masters at Seri Selangor, a professional event co-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour and the domestic Toyota Tour.
“I’m really happy and proud of this win, because this is a prestigious championship with an international field. I’m looking forward to playing in the PKNS Selangor Masters as I’ll be going up against the professionals,” noted the 16-year-old.
Suzuki finished strongly with a 69 to surge up the leaderboard into second place on three-under-par 213 (72, 72, 69), edging Australia’s Josiah Edwards for runner-up honours by one shot. Edwards also enjoyed a good finish, carding a tournament low four-under-par 68 for a two-under-par 214 (75, 71, 68) total.
Suzuki was grateful to have been able to finish the tournament, as he suffered an ankle injury early in the second round and had to receive treatment. “Yesterday at the first hole I kind of sprained my ankle, so I didn’t know if I could finish my round. I’m so grateful to the medic who helped me, because I managed to finish and shoot three-under-par today,” said the strapping 16-year-old, who was fourth in the tournament’s second edition last November and part of the victorious Philippines boys’ team.
Edwards will also be playing in the PKNS Selangor Masters, having been given an invitational spot by the organisers. “This event was good preparation for me, as I could see how the course is, where I need to hit around the greens and where the best misses are,” said the long-hitting 17-year-old.
Going into the last round just two shots behind Jing, India’s 14-year-old talent Kartik Singh settled for fifth place on one-under-par 215 (70, 70, 75) after a closing 75. He was edged by compatriot Harman Sachdeva (73, 71, 71) on countback.
Rizq Adam Rohizam of Selangor was the best placed Malaysian in eighth spot on three-over-par 219 (73, 72, 74).
Shijun Jing and his China (Hainan) team-mates Guolin Zeng, Mingyu Cao and Ziyao Lyu took the boys’ team title
Jing and his China (Hainan) team-mates Guolin Zeng, Mingyu Cao and Ziyao Lyu took the boys’ team title with a total of 643, 11 shots ahead of Team Philippines comprising Suzuki, Jacob Cajita, Zeus Sara and Miko Granada (654). The Indian team of Kartik, Harman, Devin Singh and Pritish Singh Karayat were third on 659.
Sponsored by the Selangor State Government, the Selangor International Junior Golf Championship is organised by UUM International School Melaka (UUMISM) in collaboration with the Malaysian Golf Association, with PKNS Golf Management Services acting as the event promoter. Participants were fully hosted during the week for accommodation, green fees, transfers and meals. The official hotel is ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Sri Damansara.
The World Amateur Golf Ranking featured a field of 123 players from Australia, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, China, Philippines, Thailand, India, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.
