Malixi gears up for Thailand

Rianne Malixi, coming off a breakthrough victory in Australia, is poised for another shot at glory as she gears up for the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship unfolding on Feb. 1 in Thailand.

Despite facing a stellar field of competitors, the Filipina ace remains unfazed, ready and eager to showcase her skills at the Siam Country Cluc’s Waterside course in Pattaya.

The sixth edition of what has become the region’s premier ladies amateur championship features a formidable roster of international rising stars. Joining Malixi are three other talented players – Japan’s Mamika Shinchi, India’s Avani Prashanth and Eunseo Choi from South Korea.

Malixi and Shinchi, both 16, split the premier titles Down Under recently in come-behind-fashion with the former rallying from four strokes down to snare the Australian Master of the Amateurs crown. The latter overhauled a six-shot deficit then outdueling local ace Amelia Harris to secure the Australian Amateur title.

The 17-year-old Prashanth, the reigning Queen Sirikit Cup individual winner at Manila Southwoods last year, and Choi, who posted two victories in 2023, add further depth to the competition. Choi, also 17, finished ninth in Australian Masters of the Amateurs and placed third in the Australian Amateur.

Reflecting on her success Down Under, Malixi expressed her happiness and gratitude for the experience.

“To win in Australia, I feel very happy. I’m grateful for the experience,” said the ICTSI-backed shotmaker, who also emphasized her history of performing well in Thailand.