Korean Duo Claim Top Honours in Malaysia

Kedah, Malaysia: An Hae-cheon and Yang Yun-seo completed a memorable Korean double at the 121st Malaysian Amateur Open.

An withstood strong challenges from Vietnam’s Nguyen Tuan Anh and Austrian Jakob Lotschak to capture the men’s title with a 54-hole total of eight-under-par 205 at Permaipura Golf & Country Club.

Meanwhile, Yang posted a three-round aggregate of one-over-par 214 to edge fellow-Korean Hong Su-min in the women’s division.

With a five-under 66 on day two, An rose to the top of the leaderboard and maintained his composure to close with a 69 which kept his pursuers at bay. 

In-form Tuan Anh lived upto his reputation as one of Asia’s rising stars with an accomplished final-round 67 that earned him runners-up spot, two shots behind An. Lotschak ended a further stroke back in third.

Aiden Kei Ahmad Shaharuddin was a model of consistency, rounds of 69, 70 and 70 placing him fourth and earning him the title as Best Malaysian. 

The women’s event turned into an enthralling head-to-head duel between Korean national team members Yang and Hong, who finished third and fourth respectively at this year’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in Vietnam.

At Permaipura, Yang, 48th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking at the start of the week, compiled rounds of 68, 75 and 71, holding off Hong by the narrowest of margins.

Charlayne Chong Shin Ling had the distinction of finishing as the leading Malaysian in third place on 219.

Malaysian Golf Association President Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said: “This year’s Malaysian Amateur Open exemplified the true spirit of the game. Our players displayed tremendous grit, professionalism, and respect for the sport, producing world-class golf under challenging conditions.

“I would also like to commend the organisers, volunteers, officials, and partners whose professionalism ensured a smooth and successful championship.”