Jing Xuen bags historic win in China LPGA Q series

PETALING JAYA: Ng Jing Xuen (pic) has recorded another significant milestone by becoming the first Malaysian golfer to win the EFG-CLPGA Q series.

The 16-year-old clinched top honours in the second leg of the EFG-China LPGA Q series on Wednesday after posting a two-under 70 at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

With a 54-hole aggregate of two-under 214, Jing Xuen finished four strokes clear of second-placed Singaporean Aloysa Atienza.

Thailand’s Shi Benxing ended third on 220 followed by 13-year-old Singaporean Sydnie Ng, who signed off with a 73 for a 222 total.

Jing Xuen thus followed in the footsteps of Hong Kong’s Arianna Lau, who took top honours in the opening leg of the series in May.

It was in May last year when the Kuala Lumpur-born golfer became the first Malaysian to win the SEA Games women’s individual golf competition in Cambodia.

Jing Xuen was pleased that she managed to cope well with the demanding format of play as well as the hot and humid weather conditions.

Participants in the 54-hole tournament play 36 holes on the first day, with only the top 50 players and ties advancing to the third and final round on the second day.

After an opening one-over 73 in the morning, she had barely an hour’s break before returning to the Masters Course to finish the second round with a one-under 71. “It was better than I expected (the weather and her physical condition). My rounds today were okay and I’m using this Q-series as a platform to further test myself,” said Jing Xuen.

“I am pleased with how I played here. I didn’t hit some shots very well but I feel like my mental state has been good over the last two days.

“This win has given me the benchmark on where I stand and also the knowledge that I have the game. Having said that, I still need to improve as I keep an eye on turning professional.

The EFG-CLPGAQ series offers S$10,000 (RM32,800) prize money to the top 10 players and ties, including amateurs and provides World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

It is also a qualifying pathway to the flagship China LPGA Tour where former world No. 1 and Major winner Yin Ruoning won her first three tournaments as a professional.