Robin Loh: Young guns prove future is bright for Malaysia 14.08.2009: Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) president Datuk Robin Loh said the performances of the local golfers in the 100PLUS Malaysian Junior Open which ended at Bukit Jawi Golf Resort yesterday proved there is a bright future

Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) president Datuk Robin Loh said the performances of the local golfers in the 100PLUS Malaysian Junior Open which ended at Bukit Jawi Golf Resort yesterday proved there is a bright future for the game.

National players Gavin Kyle Green and Kelly Tan, both still only 15-years-old, outperformed their older and more illustrious rivals from 11 nations to win the boys’ and girls’ overall titles. They also combined to win the team event, the first time Malaysia have won that title.

All in, Malaysian golfers won eight of the nine tittles at stake - the team event, boys and girls overall championships and the Under-18, Under-16 and boys’ Under-14 titles. Thailand’s Suchaya Tangkamolpraset prevented a clean sweep when she won the girl’s Under-14 division.

Gavin and Kelly walked away with three titles each - team, overall and Under-16 crowns. The other Malaysian winners were Abel Tham (boys’ Under-18), Low Khai Jei (boys’ Under-14), and Joanne Lagan (girls’ Under-18).

Gavin emulated Akhmal Tarmizi Nazari’s 2007 feat of becoming the boys’ overall winner while Kelly is the first Malaysian girl to take home the 100PLUS Malaysian Junior Open girls’ overall title.

“I was very impressed by our juniors as they dominated a very strong field to win so many titles. It was indeed our best ever performance in the 100PLUS Malaysian Junior Open and to have created history by winning two titles we never won before (team and girls’ overall), shows we are on the right track,” said Robin.

“I have always stressed the importance of having a sound development programme in place as without proper grassroot development, we would not be able to unearth new champions.

“We need more sponsors like 100PLUS. They have been very keen to sponsor our junior events and have done so for nearly a decade. I hope more corporate companies emulate their lead and come in to help us take golf to a higher level.”

Robin also praised the work done by the national coaches.

“It is amazing what some of the young kids can do on the course. They have natural talent but the coaches have helped polish their skills,” he said.

The 100PLUS Malaysian Junior Open Golf tournament is among several junior programmes that 100PLUS supports in the country. 100PLUS is also the main sponsor for the 100PLUS Super Cup Champions Schools Programme (a nationwide football competition for Under-18 age-groups), the 100PLUS National Junior Badminton Circuit and the Minister of Education Football League.
 
100PLUS, also a sponsor of the Maybank Malaysian Open this year and for Asian Tour events in Malaysia, is recommended by the National Sports Council.


Leading final round scores (Malaysian unless stated)
Boys
Overall
215: Gavin Kyle Green 69-73-73
220: Abel Tam 71-70-79
221: Mohamad Azman Basharuddin 77-72-72
223: Somprad Rattansuwan (Thai) 75-74-74
227: Chikkarangappa (India) 77-74-76
228: Johson Poh (Sin) 75-73-80
230: Low Khai Jei 81-73-76
232: Attapol Charannahot (Thai) 80-76-76, Korntawach Tulamool 71-81-80
233: Ng Kok Soon 77-77-79

Under-18
220: Abel Tam 71-70-79
228: Johson Poh (Sin) 75-73-80      
    
Under-16
215: Gavin Kyle Green 69-73-73
221: Mohamad Azman Basharuddin 77-72-72

Under-14
230: Low Khai Jei 81-73-76
232: Attapol Charannahut (Thai) 80-76-76


Overall
Girls
225: Kelly Tan 74-79-72
227: Suchaya Tangkamolpraset (Thai) 79-75-73, Paveenuch Sritagul (Thai) 74-80-73
230: Joanne Lagan 78-78-74
232: Joey Poh (Sin) 79-75-78

Under-18
230: Joanne Lagan 78-78-74
239: Diana Tham 79-80-80

Under-16
225: Kelly Tan 74-79-72
227: Paveenuch Sritagul (Thai) 74-80-73
 
Under-14
227: Suchaya Tangkamolpraset (Thai) 79-75  73
235: Marvi Monsalve (Phi) 76-76-83


About 100PLUS
100PLUS, Malaysia's leading isotonic beverage, is manufactured and marketed by F&N Coca-Cola (M) Sdn. Bhd.  It is specially formulated to replenish body fluids, energy, and electrolytes lost during the course of an active lifestyle.  100PLUS has been developed from a proven isotonic formula with an optimal combination of thirst-busting and energy-replacing ingredients.  100PLUS is the only sports drinks in Malaysia to be recommended by the National Sports Council (NSC).  100PLUS is part of the F&N portfolio of beverages, which offers Pure Goodness and Pure Enjoyment to consumers.  For more information, please log on to 100PLUS.com.my.


- Rahminho  also photos -