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Friday July 3, 2009

Tze Jean fired up to end Malaysian drought in Amateur Open

By SHAMSHUL FITRI

Chua Tze Jean

KUALA LUMPUR: Golfer Chua Tze Jean hopes to be third-time lucky in her challenge in the Malaysian Women’s Amateur Open championship next month.

After finishing second in 2004 and third the following year, the 22-year-old is determined to end a seven-year drought of a Malaysian champion in the championship.

“I think I will be able to put up a strong challenge in the company of defending champion Yupaporn Kawinpakorn (of Thailand) and runner-up Ines Putri Chandra (of Indonesia). The only thing I’m worried about is the hot and humid weather, having just returned from my studies in the United States,” said Tze Jean.

The championship at the Mines Resort and Golf Club from Aug 4-6 will feature about 130 golfers from 12 countries.

The other Malay­sians bidding for honours include Dayanitha Kuna­sekaran and Michele Koh and juniors Nurul Syahirah Afiqah and Nur Islamiah Mohd Fuad. However, Ainil Johani Bakar, who finished third last year, will not be taking part this year.

Up for grabs: Malga president Tuanku Puteri Datuk Seri Jawahir Tuanku Ja'afar and The Mines founder Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew showing the trophies for the Malaysian Women's Amateur Open Thursday.

The Malaysian Ladies Golf Asso­cia­tion (Malga) president, Tunku Puteri Datuk Seri Jawahir Tuanku Ja’afar, said the championship had provided a good avenue for local players and the juniors to compete against golfers in the region.

“We aim to make the event the most prestigious women’s championship in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region,” she said.

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