SHAH ALAM: Valuable experience playing in the United States paid off handsomely for golfers Rizq Adam Rohizam of Selangor and Wang Xin Yao of Perak as they swung to their first Malaysia Games (Sukma) individual titles on Thursday (Aug 20).
Debutant Rizq won the men’s event in stunning fashion, finishing seven shots ahead of defending champion Anson Yeo of Sarawak at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.
Rizq and Anson had been tied at seven-under after the second day but yesterday, the former ended with a 202 total.
The 20-year-old Rizq, who played collegiate golf at the Missouri University of Science and Technology before returning home a few months ago, said his time overseas had definitely helped him develop his game.
"Playing in college definitely helped me. Being in the US got me exposed to other players and the competition overseas," said Rizq.
"Coming back to Malaysia, it has given me the confidence to be able to play with people that I’ve known for a long time.
"Anson and I have been playing against each other for many years, so this isn’t the first time we’ve gone head-to-head for the win. I just followed my game plan and stayed calm."
Anson had an even-par third day to finish with a 209 total, while Johor’s Maverick Chua settled for bronze with 213.
Rizq’s final-day boost also helped Selangor clinch the team event as the hosts had a total of 645. Federal Territories came in second with 660, while Johor took third with 665.
Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Xin Yao showed she benefitted from her time at the Virginia Tech as she finished with a 210 total after a strong final-day 67.
She had finished behind Mirabel Ting at the previous edition in Sarawak two years ago.
Sabah’s Jamie Tan came in second with 219, while Kedah’s Alya Afza Hazari took bronze with 223.
"I got silver two years ago behind Mirabel, who is such a good player," said Xin Yao.
Perak retained the girls’ team event title as they scored a total of 669, with Selangor taking silver with 684, while Federal Territories settled for bronze with 690.
RESULTS
Men
Individual
202: Rizq Adam Rohizam (Sel) 69-68-65, 209: Anson Yeo (Swk) 70-67-72, 213: Maverick Chua (Joh) 70-73-70.
Team
645: Selangor, 660: Federal Territories, 665: Johor.
Women
Individual
210: Wang Xin Yao (Prk) 71-72-67, 219: Jamie Tan (Sab) 69-74-76, 223: Alya Afza Hazari (Ked) 75-75-73.
Team
669: Perak, 684: Selangor, 690: Federal Territories.
