Winnie finishes creditable 16th in Hong Kong

PETALING JAYA: National junior golfer Winnie Ng Yu Xuan has repaid the sponsor’s faith by finishing a creditable 16th in the Hong Kong Ladies Open.

The 16-year-old, playing on the invitation of title sponsor EFG – a Swiss-based private banking group – carded a four-over 76 to finish on one-under 215 total, tying with six others including compatriot Aretha Pan at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling yesterday.

Winnie had got off to a dream start when she carded a 67 to tie for the first-round lead on Friday but failed to keep the momentum going as she could only sign for a second-round 72 to drop to fifth.

She can still walk tall for coming out third best among 15 amateurs in the 120-woman field which comprised professionals of the Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT), China LPGA Tour (CLPGA) and

Taiwan LPGA Tour (TLPGA).

Winnie also outshone her more illustrious compatriots Michelle Koh (joint 29th), Ainil Johani Bakar and Nur Durriyah Damian (joint 43rd).

“I couldn’t have wished for a better placing. I thought making the cut was great enough,” said Winnie.

“I didn’t even think that I could lead at all! I’m glad that I had this opportunity to play with the professionals.”

Winnie could have earned 15,000 yuan (RM9,400) for her effort but amateurs are not entitled to any prize money.

A memorable week in Hong Kong made up for Winnie’s disappointment of missing out on the Queen Sirikit Cup, the Asia-Pacific Ladies Team Championship in Thailand this week.

Winnie did not make the topthree cut in the selection trial earlier in February.

“Things always happen for a reason, that’s why we have to look on the bright side,” said the lanky lass.

Thailand’s Saranporn Langkulgasettrin won the tournament by defeating Taiwan’s Chen Szu-han with a birdie in the first extra hole on the par-four 18th. The duo were tied at the top in 54-hole regulation on matching 11-under 205s.