Back-to-Back College Victories for Malaysian Lau

London, England: It was a good week for Asian players in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) with in-form Malaysian Ashley Lau leading the way.

University of Michigan player Lau recorded her second straight college victory, adding the Florida Gators Invitational title to the Tulane Classic crown she won last month.

At Mark Bostwick Golf Course in Gainesville, Florida, Lau, who placed sixth in last year’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific, closed with a 66. Along with earlier rounds of 67 and 70, Lau posted a seven-under 203 aggregate to record a one-shot win.

Thanks to that effort she reaches a WAGR personal best, advancing 12 rankings to 33rd.

Joining her in the elite top-50 is Korean Park Bo-hyun, who climbed 26 spots to 37th.

Meanwhile, Japan's Reika Arakawa made her initial move into the top 250 with a jump of 1,631 places to 247th following a 10th place finish among the professionals in the Daikin Orchid Ladies Golf Tournament on the Japan LPGA Tour.

On the back of another strong showing against the professionals, Thai teenager Ratchanon 'TK' Chantananuwat leapt 14 places to a career-high 30th in the men's standings.

TK, who turned 15 during the International Series Thailand, finished in a share of 11th spot at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin.

It was the sixth Asian Tour event in succession in which the Thai has made the half-way cut, sparking a spectacular ascent in the WAGR.

The only Asian players ahead of TK in the WAGR are Japan’s Keita Nakajima (number one); Chinese duo Ding Wenyi (18th) and Jin Bo (21st); and Korean Sam Choi (25th).

Also profiting from a fine display in the International Series Thailand was TK’s compatriot Sirapob Yapala. He tied for 23rd at Black Mountain and soared 1,680 places on the WAGR to 987th – the highest ranking rise of the week.