Latest news with #Jeneath
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Mirabel, Jeneath to lead Malaysia's charge at Sea Games
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia are banking on Mirabel Ting and Jeneath Wong to sustain their gold medal streak at the Sea Games in Thailand in December. The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) is confident that with both US-based aces back in the fold, the women's team will once again be in the hunt for top honours, as the nation target a third straight Sea Games triumph. Mirabel has been a revelation in the US collegiate scene this season. The Florida State University standout bagged five individual titles and capped her season by becoming the first Asian to win the prestigious Annika Award, given to the best NCAA Division I female golfer. She's also scaled new heights on the world stage, currently ranked No. 2 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) — the highest ever for a Malaysian. Jeneath, representing Pepperdine University, may not have matched Mirabel's accolades this season, but carved her own slice of history by winning the Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) in Vietnam in March — the first Malaysian to do so in the prestigious championship. MGA president Tan Sri Anwar Nor knows their presence could prove decisive. "Having both Mirabel and Jeneath available again will boost our medal hopes tremendously. A podium finish is almost certain, but whether we can win gold depends on how we fare against the Thais, who will be very strong at home," said Anwar. Thailand are expected to assemble a formidable line-up led by US-based stars Eila Galitsky and Suvichaya Vinijchaitham, with the timing of the Games — during the winter break in the US college season — allowing countries to field their strongest squads. The Philippines are also expected to unleash world No. 6 Rianne Malixi, adding further depth to an already competitive women's field. Mirabel and Jeneath last played together at the 2021 Hanoi Sea Games, combining for silver in the team event. Jeneath also secured an individual bronze. The duo were absent in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2023 after being unable to get clearance from respective schools, but Malaysia still walked away with a gold medal through homegrown hero Ng Jing Xuen in the women's individual event. Jing Xuen, Foong Zi Yu, and Geraldine Wong also claimed a bronze in the team event. This year, Thailand will revert the team format back to stroke play — first introduced at the 2017 KL Games — an option within their rights as hosts. Anwar admitted it may favour the hosts but believes the Malaysians are up to the challenge. "Mirabel and Jeneath are capable of delivering because only the two best individual counting scores will contribute to the team result. If they are at the top of their game, we're right in contention with the Thais," he said. While the women's team carry stronger expectations, Malaysia's men are also shaping up well. Anson Yeo and Nathan Tsen, fresh off a 1–2 finish at the PGM Tour's Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy last month, have shown they're capable of competing and beating seasoned pros. Even in Cambodia, Malaysia's men delivered beyond expectations. Malcolm Ting, Mirabel's elder brother, stepped up in the absence of more fancied US-based duo Marcus Lim and K. Rhaasrikanesh to win a surprise silver in the men's individual event. Malaysia's campaign in Hanoi 2022 produced a two-gold, one-silver, one-bronze haul, led by Ervin Chang's double gold in the individual and team events, with strong support from Marcus and Rhaasrikanesh. Jing Xuen then kept the momentum going with her golden feat in 2023. However, she won't be returning to defend her title this time, having turned professional last year.
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Jeneath missess cut at Chevron Championship
KUALA LUMPUR: It wasn't the dream debut national golfer Jeneath Wong had hoped for, as she missed the cut at the Chevron Championship in the United States. The 20-year-old failed to make it to the weekend rounds after carding rounds of 78 and 76 at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Her two-day total of 10-over 154 saw her finish tied for 128th with three-time LPGA Tour champion Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand. Jeneath ended up eight shots adrift of the 36-hole cut mark, which was set at two-over 146. The course proved a tough test, with even some of the world's top players only just scraping through. World No. 1 Nelly Korda of the US made the cut on one-over 145, while Thailand's world No. 2 Atthaya Thitikul narrowly advanced on the number. The US$8 million (RM35 million) event - the first of five majors of the LPGA Tour season - is currently led by China's Liu Yan, who sits atop the leaderboard (seven-under 137). Jeneath earned her place in the 132-player field after winning the Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) Championship in Vietnam last month. Despite the early exit, the rising star still has much to look forward to. As the WAAP champion, she has also secured starts at two other majors - the Amundi Evian Championship in France (July 10-13) and the AIG Women's Open in Wales (July 30-Aug 3). Before that, Jeneath will turn her focus to collegiate golf as she aims to help Pepperdine University qualify for the NCAA Championships in California (May 16-21) via the NCAA Lexington Regional in Kentucky (May 5-7).
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Jeneath looking to savour Chevron Championship debut
KUALA LUMPUR: Golfer Jeneath Wong is ready to make a big impression on her debut at the Chevron Championship which begins in the United States tomorrow (April 24). The tournament — the first of five majors on the LPGA Tour — will take place at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, offering a world-class stage for the 20-year-old Malaysian rising star. Jeneath secured her spot in the elite 132-player field by winning the Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) in Hoi An, Vietnam last month. She will be one of only eight amateurs teeing off alongside the game's biggest names — including world No. 1 Nelly Korda, Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul and New Zealand's Lydia Ko — in the US$8 million (RM35.26 million) showcase. Her presence also ensures Malaysia will be represented on the LPGA Tour for the first time this season, albeit in a one-off appearance for now. This marks Jeneath's second major championship appearance following her debut at the 2023 US Women's Open, where she missed the halfway cut by just three shots after qualifying through sectional play. "It's going to be my first appearance at the Chevron Championship and I'm looking forward to it!" said Jeneath recently. "It'll be fun and I just want to soak up the experience and learn from playing with the LPGA players, who I want to compete with in the future." Currently in her third year at Pepperdine University in California, Jeneath is enjoying a strong run of form. She finished a commendable third at the West Coast Conference Championship recently, further fueling her confidence after her WAAP triumph. "My confidence has definitely increased following my WAAP victory," she added. Jeneath becomes only the fourth Malaysian to play in the Chevron Championship after Lim Siew Ai, Kelly Tan, and Natasha Andrea Oon. Of the trio, Kelly has the most appearances (five), with her best result being a tied-37th finish in 2020. As the reigning WAAP champion, Jeneath's schedule will only get busier. She's also earned invitations to two other majors — the Amundi Evian Championship in July and the AIG Women's Open in August. Despite the challenges of juggling a packed playing calendar with her academic responsibilities, Jeneath is grateful for the support she's receiving. "It will definitely be tough managing my time with all the big tournaments and college events, not to mention missing classes, but my school has been very supportive. They are helping me the best they can with everything," noted Jeneath.
