Mirabel retains TSM Golf Challenge crown
KUALA LUMPUR: Mirabel Ting reinforced her status as Malaysia's top amateur golfer by becoming the first player in over a decade to successfully defend the girls' title at the TSM Golf Challenge—matching a feat last accomplished by Kelly Tan in 2012.
The 20-year-old Sarawakian, currently world No. 2 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), carded rounds of 70, 68 and 71 for a winning total of 209 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) as the 14th edition of the prestigious junior event concluded on Thursday.
It was another dominant display by Mirabel, who finished a whopping 12 strokes ahead of nearest challenger Wang Xin Yao (221).
A three-way tie for third followed, with Nur Batrisya Balqis Abdul Ghani, Foong Zi Yu, and Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil all ending at 222.
Former LPGA star and two-time Olympian Kelly had won three consecutive titles from 2010 to 2012.
With Mirabel still eligible to compete next year, she could take aim at replicating that feat.
However, the best achievement in the girls' category remains with Ainil Johani Bakar, who captured four straight titles from 2006 to 2009.
Despite coming off a phenomenal collegiate season in the United States—where she bagged five titles, won the prestigious Annika Award, and finished joint runner-up at the NCAA Division I Championship—Mirabel played down expectations and approached the event with a relaxed mindset.
"To be able to come back here and play an event actually means a lot," said Mirabel, who last featured on home soil at the Maybank Championship last October, where she impressed with a tied-12th finish in the LPGA Tour event.
"I wasn't playing my best golf this week. Like I said, I've been away for six months at school—I attend Florida State University—and I basically just came back wanting to take a bit of a rest and ease into it.
"Overall, I think I did okay, but there's still a lot to work on. I made quite a few mistakes out there, but it's still alright. I was just trying to go out there, have fun, do what I can on the course, and just be myself—not trying to put pressure on myself like, 'Oh, I'm supposed to be good.'"
In the boys' division, fellow Sarawakian Anson Yeo also lived up to expectations by sealing a wire-to-wire victory with rounds of 69, 65, and 69 for a total of 203.
The 19-year-old held off a strong challenge from Rizq Adam Rohizam (72-69-68) and Hariz Hezri (71-67-71), who shared second place on 209.
Nathan Wong (210) and A. Nateeshvar (211) completed the top five.
Anson's win further cements his rising status in the domestic amateur scene, having recently clinched the PGM Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy—where he outplayed a strong field including established professionals.
"This is my first time playing in the tournament, and I'm really happy to have won it," said Anson.
"It was very competitive this week—everyone played really well. I felt good about my game overall, especially with my ball-striking and putting.
"The SEA Games is one of my major goals this year, so this win gives me a good boost. I'll be playing in the PGM Penang Closed Championship next week to keep the momentum going."
Leading final round scores:
Boys
203: Anson Yeo 69-65-69;
209: Rizq Adam Rohizam 72-69-68, Hariz Hezri 71-67-71;
210: Nathan Wong 71-73-66;
211: A. Nateeshvar 73-67-71.
Girls
209: Mirabel Ting 70-68-71;
221: Wang Xin Yao 76-73-72;
222: Nur Batrisya Balqis Abdul Ghani 77-72-73, Foong Zi Yu 71-72-78, Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil 72-72-78.
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