Singapore: Malaysian Ng Jing Xuen has clinched top honours in the second leg of the EFG-CLPGA Q series.

Winner of the individual gold medal at last year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Ng posted a closing two-under-par 70 over the Masters Course at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

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

Thailand’s Shi Benxing ended third on 220 followed by 13-year-old Sydnie Ng, who signed off with a 73 for a 222 total. As well as claiming fourth place in the Open division, the Grade 7 student at St Joseph’s Institution International emerged as the Under-16 champion.

Ng Jing Xuen is the first Malaysian to win the EFG-CLPGA Q series, following in the footsteps of Hong Kong, China’s Arianna Lau, who took top honours in opening leg of the series in May.

Reflecting on her victory, Ng Jing Xuan said: “I’m 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.”

When asked to describe her two-day competitive experience, Sydnie Ng said: “There are a lot of things which I need to work on and improve because some aspects of my game are still rusty. But by finishing near the top and as the Under-16 champion, it’s definitely a big confidence boost.”

Albert Chiu, Executive Chairman of EFG Bank, Asia Pacific, said: “EFG Bank has been involved in the development of golf in Singapore for the last six years and we have a lot of passion in supporting junior golf.

“We have been very impressed with the quality of the players so far and it has attracted a very strong field. The organisation and running of the series have also been impressive and we now look forward to seeing what the next leg in the series brings.”

Lyn Yeo, founder of LLD Sports and promoter of the EFG-CLPGQ series, said the performances of many of the young participants underscores the mission she has been championing.

“I'm delighted to see young players like Jing Xuen, Sydnie and Passion (Hsu) doing well. This is the platform I want to provide for them so that they can achieve their Olympic dreams. They are now competing against top level players from the region on a challenging championship course. This will prepare them well for the future,” said Yeo.

Kevin Kwee, Executive Director at Laguna National Golf Resort Club, hailed the success of the on-going series. He said: “As the host venue, the facilities here are something which everyone is already very familiar with. But what makes the overall event a success is sponsors like EFG Bank getting their value and creating more playing opportunities for amateur golfers.”

Participants in the tournament played 36 holes on Monday, with only the top-50 players and ties advancing to today’s third and final round.

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

For ladies, it is 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.