KUALA LUMPUR: Kelly Tan kept the Malaysia flag flying proudly at the Maybank Championship amid challenging and unpredictable conditions at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club today.
The gloomy weather mixed with intermittent drizzle tested the players’ patience and rhythm throughout the third round, but Kelly handled it best among the five Malaysians on the field.
She rolled six birdies and two bogeys, shooting four-under-par to take joint 38th with six others following a three-day total of five-under 211.
“It was a solid round today, I executed better than I did yesterday, gave myself a lot of looks. The putts started to fall and I putted really well,” said the US-based Kelly, who thrived in the gloomy conditions.
“Everything worked — driver, irons, putting. I had six birdies today and 27 putts, so putting was good, and scrambling was good. When the game clicks, you can shoot low, and that’s what I did today.”
The 32-year-old, who was born in Batu Pahat, Johor, also recalled her memorable 25-foot birdie putt on the 14th to the delight of her family and local fans.
“It’s important for the Malaysian fans. They love golf, the LPGA (Tour). As Malaysians, we want to do well too and keep them cheering for us. It’s really fun to play in front of my family, close friends, because I’m mostly playing abroad, so it’s nice to have everyone home,” said Kelly.
Just one stroke short of Kelly is compatriot Mirabel Ting, who shot two-under-par 70 for a three-day total of 212 and tied 45th with China‘s Zhang Weiwei.
Mirabel, who was leading the Malaysian charge on the first day in tied 11th, made a spectacular eagle on the par five third hole but was left frustrated by inconsistent iron play that saw her miss several birdie opportunities.
“It wasn’t the best round today. I made a double on six after a clubbing mistake, but the eagle on four helped,” said Mirabel.
“I wasn’t hitting my irons well at all today, everything was really far from the hole. The only thing I did well was putting. It was frustrating.
“I’ll go back, reset mentally, and stick to my routine. There won’t be too much pressure or expectations for tomorrow. Just enjoy my last day on the golf course.”
Genevieve Ling was the third-best local, tied for 57th with five others. A double bogey on the 12th matched with four more bogeys and four birdies saw the 27-year-old play two-over-par 74 for a three-day total of 215.
“It was definitely a grind out there. Ball striking just wasn’t very good. But I grinded a lot, hit some great shots, saved par after hitting water on 16, and made a bunch of good saves.
“Mentally, I hung in there,” said Genevieve.
Meanwhile, Ashley Lau and Liyana Durisic ended in tied 67th and 71st, shooting 217 and 219, respectively.
“Just not a good day in the office. I hit some good shots, but had some bad bounces that left me with tough chips,” said Ashley.
“It’s nothing to be mad about because I felt I played decent. Just didn’t have the putts dropping.”
Liyana fought to stay steady through two costly doubles but kept her perspective after a rollercoaster day.
“I started really well, then made a couple of mistakes here and there and couldn’t sink any more putts,” said Liyana.
“If I can just keep my head down tomorrow, make good decisions, and get the ball on the green, I think I’ll be fine. My putting’s been good all week.”
With the skies expected to clear tomorrow, Malaysia’s hopefuls will look to finish strong in front of their home fans and will try to improve their standings in the US$3 million (RM12.6million) competition.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
