Friday September 21, 2012
Khai Jei and Mary closing in on 100PLUS golf titles
PETALING JAYA: First round leaders Low Khai Jei of Malaysia and Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines closed in on the 100PLUS Malaysia Junior Open boys’ and girls’ golf titles with sub-par rounds at the Saujana Golf and Country Club yesterday.
Khai Jei, who suffered heartache last year when a missed birdie putt cost him the title, shot a superb three-under 69 for a two-day total of four-under 140 to lead fellow Malaysian Paul San by four strokes.
Debutant Mary, who had an even par 72 yesterday, increased her lead to nine strokes when she shot a two-under. Malaysia’s Genevieve Ling is second on 153.
“I learnt from my mistake last year and I believe I can close out the tournament tomorrow,” said a confident Khai Jei, who had a birdie on the 18th today to go along with birdies on the 12th and 13th holes in a bogey-free round.
“I will not take anything for granted. I have to stay focused and play my own game and not worry about anyone else.”
If Khai Jei wins the title, he will be the fourth Malaysian after Muhammad Azry (2011), Gavin Kyle Green (2009) and Akhmal Tarmizi Nazari (2007) to claim the crown. Mary, who is hoping to make it a hat-trick of victories for the Philippines following wins by Sarah Ababa (2010) and Dottie Ardina (2011), missed out on a bigger lead as she failed to convert five birdie putts.
“Yes, it could have been better but I’m still delighted with the score and the lead,” said Mary, who was given the name Princess as a good luck charm following her premature birth.
Meanwhile, Sarafina Vinota Seretharan, who made headlines when she secured a berth in the Sime Darby LPGA tournament from Oct 11-14 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) recently, failed to sparkle.
The 16-year-old had an improved round when she carded a four-over 76, and is now 12-over 156 for the tournament. She is tied for fourth with fellow Malaysian Asha Lakshme.
Results
Leading second round scores (Malaysian unless stated)
Boys: 140: Low Khai Jei 71-69; 144: Paul San 71-73; 149: Muhammad Naqiuddin 74-75; 150: Park Chang-uk (Kor) 75-75; 151: Daniel Mohd Sidek 77-74.
Girls: 142: Princes Mary Superal (Phi) 72-70; 153: Genevieve Ling 76-77; 154: Nur Durriyah Damian 76-78; 156: Sarafina Vinota Seretharan 80-76, Asha Lakshme 74-82; 158: Kelie Kan Kah Yan 87-71.
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