Winnie out to justify women’s team inclusion with good result

RISING golf star Winnie Ng Yu Xuan has vowed to justify the Malaysian Golf Association's (MGA)’s decision to send the women's team to the Asian Games for the first time since 1994.

The 16-year-old is among the lucky trio alongside Ashley Lau Jen Wen and Natasha Andrea Oon to see action at Asiad since Lim Siew Ai, Lim Ai Lian and Cindy Lee’s appearance at the Hiroshima Games.

Winnie is delighted that MGA chose to use the highly competitive Asiad as a platform to groom the up-and-coming players in the national squad.

“I'm beyond thrilled,” said the lanky lass.

“The only multi-sport Games that I have played is the Asean School Games but now, I'm set for my first Asian Games.

“This is a lifetime opportunity because most of us will turn professional eventually. After that, was can only take part in the Olympics Games, and one has to be really good to qualify.

“Playing in the Asian Games is like a stepping stone towards the Olympics. I will cherish this opportunity.

“I would like to thank the MGA for having faith in the women's team this time. We’ll do our best to justify our inclusions.”

Winnie has a chance to make a mark at the Games – especially after finishing third in the RSGC Ladies Amateur Open last week.

It was her eighth top three result this year, which include four titles won at the Terengganu Amateur Open, National Schools (MSSM), Negri Sembilan Open and Singapore Junior Championship.

The women's golf competition is expected to see a fierce competition among powerhouses South Korea, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, whose players are ranked in the top 20 of the world amateur rankings.

It will be a commendable result if Winnie, Ashley and Natasha could finish in the top 10 bracket.