Aretha grabs commanding three-shot lead going into final round

KUALA LUMPUR: Aretha Pan holds the distinction of being the Malaysian golfer with the most number of appearances in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.

The 23-year-old has featured in all but one edition since the tournament’s inception in 2010. She missed the 2015 edition after failing to qualify for it.

But it looks like Aretha is set to make her seventh appearance after firing a four-under 67 to grab a commanding three- shot lead going into today’s final round of the 36-hole qualifier at the TPC Kuala Lumpur.

Aretha marked her scorecard with five birdies and one bogey to end the day three strokes ahead of 16-year-old Natasha Andrea Oon, who debuted last year, at the East Course yesterday.

“I feel good and I’m very happy with the 67. This is my best score on this course,” said Aretha.

Another promising Malaysian youngster, Winnie Ng Yu Xuan, also 16, is also on course for her second consecutive start following an even-par 71 to tie for third place with Thailand’s Renuka Suksukont.

Diane Luke shot a 72 to be in fifth spot – one shot ahead of SEA Games bronze medallist Michelle Koh and Nur Durriyah Damian.

Seven spots are up for grabs for the US$ 1.8mil ( RM7.54mil) US LPGA Tour event at the same venue from Oct 26-29.

At least six spots are allocated for Malaysians, including two for Under-16 players.