Latest news with #Miri-born
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
From tiny swings to the majors
THE first time Miri-born Mirabel Ting swung a golf club, she could barely lift it. She was three, standing at the driving range with her father and older brother Malcom. The then-six-year-old Malcom was supposed to be practising. But Mirabel's curiosity got the better of her – she grabbed his club, planted her feet and took a swing. 'That was it,' said Mirabel, 19, smiling at the memory. 'My dad and grandpa inspired me. From then on, golf was my whole world.' Her father, Ting Hee Chai, didn't just encourage her – he made golf her life. Mirabel picking up golf at age three, inspired by her father and grandfather. Afternoons after school were spent at the range. Evenings meant more practice. Her grandfather, Ng Siaw Pheng, a devoted golfer himself, played nine holes almost every afternoon and brought her along. The goal was clear from the start: turn professional and, hopefully, make the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). By nine, Mirabel no longer saw golf as just a game. She was spending weekends and school holidays at the club from morning until dark, working on her short game and learning the mental discipline the sport demands. Mirabel gives her all in every championship she competes in. At 10, she left her hometown to join the Sime Darby LPGA development programme at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC). A year later, she clinched the Sarawak Amateur Championship – the first sign the family's dream might come true. At 13, she moved to Brisbane, Australia, for high school and further training. Four years later, she took an even bigger leap – leaving Malaysia for the United States. Just two months into college, she faced heartbreak: her father died suddenly of illness. It was a crushing blow, but Mirabel didn't give up. Florida State University became her second home, and she rose again – making history by winning the Annika Award, the highest honour in NCAA women's golf. From there, the victories kept coming: TSM Golf Challenge (Malaysia, June 2023), Vietnam Ladies Amateur Championship (July 2023), Royal Selangor Ladies Amateur Championship (August 2023), 30th Ladies Negri Sembilan Amateur Open (August 2022), 21st Malaysia Games (July 2024), 74th Singapore Open Amateur Championship and the 2025 Briars Creek Collegiate Invitational in South Carolina. Mom Ng Mei Mei (left) and grandfather Ng Siaw Pheng (right) celebrating Mirabel's TSM championship victory. She became the first Malaysian golfer ranked number one in US Division One collegiate golf, the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Golfer of the Year, and the sixth Malaysian woman to turn professional. Three weeks into her pro career, she won the PGM Royal Pahang Championship on July 30, dedicating the win to her late grandfather. From a world amateur ranking of over 2,000, she has now climbed to number two. 'It feels surreal,' she said. 'I started so far back, and now I know I can be the best one day in professional golf.' She has kept promises along the way – to her coach Amy Bond and former Malaysian pro Michelle Koh – and continues to push herself. 'I've realised I need to work harder on my mental game if I want to win on the LPGA Tour,' she said. 'But I have the right people – my coach Kris Assawapimonporn and Michelle – in my corner.' Her motivation hasn't changed despite the stakes being higher. 'I play because I love the game and I want to enjoy what I do on and off the golf course,' she said. The past five years have tested her resilience far beyond the fairways. In 2020, she lost her grandmother but couldn't return home due to Covid-19 restrictions. In 2022, her father passed away during her college season. In July this year, she lost her grandfather on the eve of her debut at the Evian Championship – her first LPGA event. 'It was painful,' she admitted. 'Not being able to be there in those moments is something I carry with me. But Michelle has always been my pillar of strength, giving me hope and belief.' Her training blends precision and care – two to four hours of practice daily, three gym sessions a week and recovery work to stay tournament-ready. Mental discipline is key, and she maintains it through routines she trusts. Being Malaysian, she said, has shaped her journey in unexpected ways. 'I'm proud to wear my country's flag. 'I hope young girls see what I've achieved and believe they can do it too.' Her advice is simple: 'Never give up. Nothing is impossible – it's hard, but it's possible.' Her goals are crystal clear: secure a place on the LPGA Tour and, within five years, become the first Malaysian woman to win on it. Asked which tournament she most wants to win, her reply was instant: 'The Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur.' From a toddler swinging her brother's club to a rising star on the pro circuit, Mirabel Ting's story is defined by dedication, family and belief. She may have started with a swing too big for her small frame, but every shot since has been aimed at making history for Malaysian golf.
Borneo Post
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Sarawakian squash player Harith Danial eyes SEA Games after winning four medals in SEA Cup
Harith proudly displaying his medal haul from the 9th SEA Cup in Bangkok. KUCHING (July 30): National squash player Harith Danial Jefri made a strong impression at the 9th SEA Cup held at Vajiravudh College in Bangkok, Thailand from July 21–26. The Sarawakian clinched two silver and two bronze medals in his debut appearance at the tournament. The 19-year-old student of UWE University Bristol, United Kingdom earned his first silver in the Under-21 mixed jumbo doubles with Anrie Goh after losing 1-2 to Jonathan Reyes and Aerra Mae Relano of the Philippines in the final. Harith's second silver came in the men's singles final when he lost 0-3 to fellow Malaysian Duncan Lee from Sabah. The Miri-born player was nursing an injury but showed grit to play on. Harith also paired with Muhd Raziq Putra Mohd Fakhur in a losing cause 0-2 to the Filipino combination of Christopher Buraga and Jonathan Ryes in the men's jumbo doubles semis to receive a bronze. His second bronze was earned in the Mixed Team event when Malaysia lost 1-2 again to the Philippines in the semi-finals. Speaking to The Borneo Post via WhatsApp, Harith was satisfied with his performance and looking forward to the near future. 'This was my first SEA Cup. Playing in the Jumbo Doubles U21 event was a significant milestone in my development. It was a great opportunity to test myself and fine-tune my game ahead of the SEA Games later this year.' 'I gave everything I had in both the doubles and individual events. Unfortunately, I sustained an injury during the tournament which forced me to sit out the Mixed Team final. That was tough, but this setback won't stop me,' he said. 'My eyes are firmly on the SEA Games (also to be held in Thailand in Dec). I'm committed to healing, training hard and giving my best for the country,' he pledged. Harith Danial Jefri squash
Borneo Post
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
National squash player Harith eyes SEA Games after four medals in SEA Cup
Harith proudly displaying his medal haul from the 9th SEA Cup in Bangkok. KUCHING (July 30): National squash player Harith Danial Jefri made a strong impression at the 9th SEA Cup held at Vajiravudh College in Bangkok, Thailand from July 21–26. The Sarawakian clinched two silver and two bronze medals in his debut appearance at the tournament. The 19-year-old student of UWE University Bristol, United Kingdom earned his first silver in the Under-21 mixed jumbo doubles with Anrie Goh after losing 1-2 to Jonathan Reyes and Aerra Mae Relano of the Philippines in the final. Harith's second silver came in the men's singles final when he lost 0-3 to fellow Malaysian Duncan Lee from Sabah. The Miri-born player was nursing an injury but showed grit to play on. Harith also paired with Muhd Raziq Putra Mohd Fakhur in a losing cause 0-2 to the Filipino combination of Christopher Buraga and Jonathan Ryes in the men's jumbo doubles semis to receive a bronze. His second bronze was earned in the Mixed Team event when Malaysia lost 1-2 again to the Philippines in the semi-finals. Speaking to The Borneo Post via WhatsApp, Harith was satisfied with his performance and looking forward to the near future. 'This was my first SEA Cup. Playing in the Jumbo Doubles U21 event was a significant milestone in my development. It was a great opportunity to test myself and fine-tune my game ahead of the SEA Games later this year.' 'I gave everything I had in both the doubles and individual events. Unfortunately, I sustained an injury during the tournament which forced me to sit out the Mixed Team final. That was tough, but this setback won't stop me,' he said. 'My eyes are firmly on the SEA Games (also to be held in Thailand in Dec). I'm committed to healing, training hard and giving my best for the country,' he pledged. Harith Danial Jefri squash
The Star
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Young golf star Mirabel takes bold move to turn professional
PETALING JAYA: The world could well be her oyster as youngster Mirabel Ting takes a bold first step toward her ultimate goal of becoming the first Malaysian to win on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. In a surprise move, the 19-year-old has decided to turn professional and will make her debut at the Amundi Evian Championship in France next week, which is one of the five women's golf Major events. The timing of her decision may raise eyebrows, as she still has one year left before graduating from Florida State University in the United States. After having achieved almost all there is to achieve in the highly competitive US collegiate scene, Mirabel is perhaps ready to take on the big guns in the pro ranks. The Miri-born star admitted it was a carefully considered move – one fully backed by the unwavering support of her close-knit family. "Thank you amateur golf. I can't wait for the next chapter," said Mirabel, who announced her move on Instagram yesterday. "I'm super excited to make my first professional debut at the Amundi Evian Championship. "A 10-year-old Mirabel could never have imagined this moment but after years of dedication and heart, I'm proud to announce that I'm turning professional and chasing my dream of playing on the LPGA Tour. Mirabel, who finished the 2024-2025 season as the No. 1 ranked collegiate female golfer in US, said it was a journey of faith. "I can't wait to see where the journey leads," she added.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Annika Award winner Mirabel turns pro at 19
KUALA LUMPUR: In a surprise move, golfer Mirabel Ting has announced she is turning professional at 19 and will make her debut in grand fashion at next week's Amundi Evian Championship — one of the five women's golf majors — in France. The Miri-born star caught many off guard with the timing of her decision, as she still has one year left before graduating from Florida State University (FSU). In a Facebook post shared on Thursday, Mirabel wrote: "Thank you amateur golf. I can't wait for the next chapter. I'm super excited to announce that I will be making my first professional debut at the Amundi Evian Championship." If anything, Mirabel must have thought her decision through carefully and believes she is now ready to take on the big leagues. There's enough evidence to suggest she belongs. Mirabel recently wrapped up the 2024-2025 US collegiate season as the No. 1 player, winning the prestigious 2025 Annika Award — becoming the first Asian to do so. The accolade also earned her a coveted spot in the US$8 million (RM33.74 million) showpiece at Evian Resort Golf Club. In nine starts for the Seminoles last season, Mirabel won five times and only finished outside the top three once. She posted a remarkable scoring average of 67.1 — the best in the country. She has also proven, on more than one occasion, that she can hold her own against the professionals. Last October, she impressed at the Maybank Championship — Malaysia's LPGA Tour stop — where she finished tied-12th against a world-class field. She also won the Fortuner Cup on the Toyota Tour, further underlining her ability to compete beyond the amateur circuit. Her decision means that the recent TSM Golf Challenge, held two weeks ago, now stands as her final amateur appearance. Fittingly, she signed off in style by successfully defending her title at the prestigious event. It was during that time she told the media of her intention to complete her senior year, but in a heartfelt message posted on Thursday, she revealed a change of heart, declaring: "After years of dedication and heart, I'm proud to announce that I'm turning professional and chasing my dream of playing on the LPGA Tour." The former world No. 2 amateur can expect sponsor exemptions into professional tournaments as she gears up for the LPGA Tour Qualifying School in pursuit of full playing rights for next season. According to Golfweek, Mirabel has signed with Fidelity Sports Group for representation and will be managed by FSG's CEO David Moorman and president Drew Carr. FSU coach Amy Bond is confident her star pupil is ready for the next stage. "It's our job as coaches to get them ready for the next level, and they're ready," said Bond. Her decision to turn professional also means she will no longer be eligible to represent Malaysia at the Thailand Sea Games in December, dealing a major blow to the national team's hopes of retaining the women's individual gold medal won by Ng Jing Xuen in Cambodia last year.
