Latest news with #JingXuen
The Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Malaysian golfers miss Maybank Championship spot by one shot
MALAYSIAN golfers Ng Jing Xuen and Genevieve Ling narrowly missed qualifying for the Maybank Championship 2025 after finishing tied-sixth at the ASEAN Qualifier. Both players ended with a three-over-par 147 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, just one stroke behind the qualification cut. Thailand's Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul claimed victory with a seven-under-par 137, leading a Thai sweep of the top five spots. Jing Xuen expressed disappointment but remained philosophical about the narrow miss. 'I tried my best and was just one shot off the qualification, but it's okay. That's just golf and that's life. I'll accept it,' she said. Despite the setback, Jing Xuen highlighted her strong putting performance during the tournament. She acknowledged that her risk management and strategy could have been improved for a better outcome. Kritchanya, an amateur golfer, celebrated her win after sinking her first career hole-in-one during the qualifier. She now looks ahead to the Maybank Championship 2025, set to take place at KLGCC from October 30 to November 2. - Bernama
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Thai golfers dominate Maybank Championship qualifiers
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand displayed the immense strength in depth they possess in women's golf after sweeping all five qualifying slots at the Maybank Championship Asean qualifiers today. Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul topped the standings after carding a two-day seven-under 137 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Bukit Kiara. Achiraya Sriwong (five-under 139) and Namo Luangnitikul (even-par 144) rounded out a top three comprised of amateur players. Cholcheva Wongras (two-over 146) and Kan Bunnabodee were joint-fourth, claiming the remaining two qualifying slots. It was, however, not to be for Malaysian duo Ng Jing Xuen and Genevieve Ling who finished just one stroke behind. The duo shared sixth spot on three-over 147. The soft-spoken Kritchanya, who is only 17, was all smiles after booking her slot in the Maybank Championship tournament proper on Oct 30-Nov 2. "Of course I am really happy to secure my place in the Maybank Championship in October," said Kritchanya. "This is the first time I have competed outside of Thailand so it is very special for me. "I had a lot of fun here as I was also able to sink a hole-in-one yesterday (hole four)." Jing Xuen, also 17, took the result in her stride. "Yesterday (Aug 12) was a bit more hectic but I am pleased to be able to come back today," said Jing Xuen, who claimed gold at the 2023 Phnom Penh Sea Games. "I'd say my putting was really good today, it was just that my risk management was a little bit off. "In the end I was just one shot off (qualifying) but I guess that is just golf for you. I accept it and will keep working harder." Only the top-five finishers booked their spots in the US$3 million (RM12.7 million) showpiece, which returns for its third edition as the richest LPGA Tour stop in Asia. Earning a place in the elite 78-player field guarantees a minimum payout of approximately US$5,400 (RM22,720) as the tournament is a no-cut event.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Liyana, Jing Xuen spearhead local challenge in Maybank Championship qualifier
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 69 golfers, including 24 Malaysians, will vie for five coveted spots in the prestigious Maybank Championship through its 36-hole Asean Qualifier, which tees off Tuesday at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC). The two-day battle will determine who joins the elite 78-woman field for the third edition of the Maybank Championship, scheduled from Oct 30-Nov 2. Offering US$3 million (RM12.7 million) in prize money, it is the richest LPGA Tour stop in Asia. Top Malaysian names such as Maybank ambassador Kelly Tan, national No. 1 Ashley Lau, newly-turned professional Mirabel Ting and Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific champion Jeneath Wong are expected to secure their places via sponsor invitations. However, the qualifier, open exclusively to players from the Southeast Asian region, gives the host nation a chance to further boost its representation. Among the notable Malaysians chasing qualification are Liyana Durisic, Genevieve Ling, Aretha Pan, Ng Jing Xuen and Winnie Ng. Last year, Liyana and Nur Durriyah Damian successfully battled their way through the qualifier to make the main event. Liyana, currently the national No. 2, is aiming for back-to-back appearances at KLGCC after an impressive season that saw her record top-10 finishes in all five of her starts on the Women's Professional Golf of Australia Tour. "Obviously, I think of good things when I come back here and I'm looking forward to qualifying again," said Liyana, who finished 74th in last year's Maybank Championship. This year's qualifier is more competitive, with the field more than doubling from last year's 35 players to 69, including a strong 36-player contingent from Thailand — but Liyana is unfazed. "There are more players in the field – more Thai players – and it's a very strong field. I'm looking forward to the challenge and stepping up my game. "I am hitting it good and hopefully I can continue the momentum into tomorrow," she added. Another strong local contender is Jing Xuen, the former SEA Games gold medallist who turned professional at just 16 last year. The 17-year-old has enjoyed a promising debut season on the China LPGA Tour, recording one top-10 and two top-20 finishes. "I'm pretty excited about this week. I am managing my expectations and will try to enjoy my game. Compared to China, the golf course here is so much tougher. I have improved my iron shots and I'm looking to put it to test here," said Jing Xuen. "It's a big deal for us this week. It's a fascinating opportunity to get a chance to qualify for an LPGA tournament. "Playing in the tournament proper in 2023 was such a great experience as I was 15 at that time. Playing alongside world-class players was great and I learned a lot. That's my final dream (to get onto the LPGA)." The Malaysian hopefuls will face stern competition from regional rivals, including eight players from Thailand, six from Indonesia, two from the Philippines and one from Singapore. Among the returning are last year's qualifiers Ida Ayu Indira Melati of Indonesia and Thailand's Chayanit Wangmahaporn.
