Singapore: Ng Jing Xuen, who made history last year by becoming the first Malaysian to win the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medal in golfing, is back in the spotlight, leading the second leg of the EFG-CLPGA Q series.

All participants in the 54-hole tournament at Laguna National Golf Resort Club played 36 holes today. Only the top 50 and ties have advanced to the third and final round tomorrow.

After an opening one-over-par 73 in the morning, Ng had barely an hour’s break before returning to the Masters Course. Thanks to an afternoon 71 in hot and humid conditions, she holds a one-shot lead from Thailand’s Shi Benxing.

Singapore’s Aloysa Atienza posted rounds of 72 and 74 to take third place while 13-year-old Sydnie Ng is in fourth spot on 149 after carding a 73 and 76.

Reflecting on her day one performance, Ng Jing Xuen said: “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.

“I would like to start playing my Tour events in China and Asia as that’s where I see myself when I eventually start my professional career.” 

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

For ladies like Atienza, it’s also a qualifying pathway to the flagship CLPG Tour where former world number one and Major winner Yin Ruoning, won her first three tournaments as a professional.

“The Q series is a good platform to compete in, with a CLPGA card up for grabs. My goal is to turn pro and as a rookie, I just want to do well, finish at the top in this series and hopefully earn my card,” said Atienza.

Sydnie Ng, who will feature in the final group tomorrow alongside Ng Jing Xuen, Atienza and Shi, is looking forward to continuing her charge.

“It was very windy today, and the pin positions were not easy. I just have to trust myself more tomorrow as I hesitated on a few holes and missed par and birdie opportunities. I will try to do better tomorrow,” said Sydnie, a Grade 7 student at St Joseph’s Institution International.