Andrew Yap of Malaysia
Malaysia’s Andrew Yap and Singapore’s Xingtong Chen emerged triumphant from the 48th Peugeot Selangor Amateur Open golf championship at Kelab Golf Negara Subang (KGNS) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, raising a cheer for junior golf in a state championship.
The two champions, both playing off scratch, led the 54-hole tournament from start to finish to win on KGNS’ Putra Course. And just as it did in the two earlier rounds, the course played tough again, giving the field a good test of their talent and mindset. In the end, it was 14-year-old Andrew and 15-year-old Xingtong who handled the pressures the best, as they both finished on two-under 214 totals. Andrew shot a third and final day two-over 74 and won by five strokes – equal to his overnight lead – while Xingtong carded a last round three-under 69 that matched the low round of the tournament. She finished a massive 14 shots clear of her nearest rival.
“I didn’t play as well as I would have liked,” said Andrew, who shot three-under on the first day and was one-under in the second round. “But I am happy that I won my first amateur title. I made a few mistakes out there, mostly because my driving wasn’t that sharp. I hit a few good iron-shot and my putting was mediocre. I have two tournaments to go before the end of the year, and I’ll work trying to get it right, and work hard on doing better next year.”
Xingtong Chen of Singapore
Xintong was delighted with how she played, highlighted by four birdies on the day, which earned her first title outside Singapore. After a one-over 73 and even-par 72, Xintong closed out the tournament in style and said she looked to build on this success and use it as a stepping stone for next year. “I am obviously very happy to have won here today. The course played difficult each of the three days, so it satisfying to come out on top. Next year I hope to travel to the United States and play a few collegiate tournaments, maybe during the middle of the year.”
Nateeshvar Anatha Ganesh fired a two-under 70 to finish joint runner-up on 219 total in the men’s category, with Aiden Kei, who had an even-par round. Anson Yeo, was fourth when his even-par effort secured him a 220 total, one shot back. The top-five was rounded off by a three-way tie featuring Brayden Lee who closed with a 70, Daniel Woz (75) and Maxwin Chiew (75), all on 223.
In the women’s section, Wang Xin Yao claimed second place after shooting a 77 for a 228 total and Nur Diana Syafiqah, who was second overnight, finished third on 229 after a79. Nik Alica Miriam Kamil carded a last-day 74 for a 233 total and fourth place, while Ngo Yi Belle was fifth on 234, after a 77.
Selangor Golf Association president Kuldip Seine said they were pleased with how things panned out in a tournament that had representation from Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam, alongside the home nation.
“We haven’t hosted this championship in eight years, and it’s the first time it’s been held here at KGNS since 2006,” said Kuldip, who added that they were grateful for all the support they received to make it happen. “In particular, we are indebted to Bermaz Auto Berhad with Peugeot, who came in as the title sponsor and a Peugeot 3008 as a hole-in-one prize and other support. Bermaz has always been a strong supporter of our association and the Selangor Amateur Open championship.
“The SGA was also honoured to have received the kind support of the Youth and Sports Ministry (Kementerian Belia Dan Sukan), who were the main sponsors. Support from Selangor State Youth, Sport and Entrepreneurship, Majlis Sukan Negeri Selangor (MSNS), Perbadanan Padang Golf Subang (PPGS), and SportExcel was also received and much appreciated,” added Kuldip. In all, there were some 40 companies and organisations that chipped in with support for the event.
Leading Final Scores
Men
214 Andrew Yap Yung Cheng
219 Nateeshvar Anatha Ganesh, Aiden Kei
220 Anson Yeo Boon Xing
223 Brayden Lee, Daniel Woz, Maxwin Chiew
Women
214 Xingtong Chen
228 Wang Xin Yao
229 Nur Diana Syafiqah
233 Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil
234 Ngo Yi Belle
