Top-Rated Achiraya in Pole Position

Colombo, Sri Lanka: Living upto her billing as the top-rated player in the field, Achiraya Sriwong seized the initiative on day two of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championships.

Relishing the benign conditions and soft greens following morning rain that delayed the start of play, the long-hitting Thai breezed her way around the Royal Colombo Golf Club course in four-under-par 66.

Added to her opening even-par 70, Achiraya has a two-round total of 136 and will take a three-stroke lead from Hong Kong, China’s Sabrina Wong into Friday’s final-round.

“I like Sri Lanka and I want to win here. I will just focus on my game and have fun,” said Achiraya, 22nd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).

With birdies at the second, fifth, sixth and seventh, Achiraya reached the turn in four-under 31. She gained another stroke at the 10th before dropping her only shot of the day at the par-four 12th.

Scotland-based Wong was also pleased to better par and stay in contention.

“I’m always happy with an under-par score, but I had so many birdie chances I didn’t take. I also made some bad mistakes with my driver, especially on the front nine, and had to save par a few times with good chips. I was grateful for my short game today,” said Wong, 171st in the WAGR.

Among those who retain hopes of victory are the Chinese duo of Xing Feiyu and Peng Yanxuan and Koreans Yoon Gyu-ri and Kim Gyu-been, winner of the individual prize at last month’s Queen Sirikit Cup,

Although she’s eight strokes off the pace, top-rated Sri Lankan Kaya Daluwatte is refusing to throw in the towel.

After improving on her first-round 76 by eight shots on Thursday, she said: “That was a lot better today. I had a birdie at the second which gave me some momentum. I didn’t play well yesterday but I’m hoping to give a good fight tomorrow to win the title on my home course.”

In the Boys’ category, Korean Son Je-yi and Singapore’s Troy Storm are set for an intriguing final-day showdown.

After 36 holes, the duo are locked together at the top of the leaderboard on four-under 136 with overnight leader Harjai Milkha Singh of India one shot off the pace in third.

Son produced the round of the week to date with a five-under-par 65, marred only by a bogey at the 18th hole. Nonetheless, he was delighted to improve on his first-round effort by six shots.

He said: “Yesterday, I was too nervous and made some mistakes. Today I was more focused and that made a huge difference in my score. I’m here representing Team Korea. I don’t have any international wins to my name and I know it will be difficult tomorrow, but I’ll do my best.” 

Although he bettered par for the second day in succession (69-67), Storm admitted he was not at his best.

“The conditions were a little easier than yesterday because there was not much wind and the greens were softer. I didn’t play so great, but I did well to save a few pars so I’m happy with my score,” said Storm, who is chasing a second win in a row following his triumph in the Singapore Junior Championship last weekend.