Sabah’s Ben tied for lead heading into final round
Published on: Thursday, May 18, 2023
By: GL Oh
Ben is the joint leader.
Kota Kinabalu: Ben Leong is tied with Galven Green after both were six-under going into the final round of the Hilux Cup at Sabah Golf and Country Club on Wednesday.The local hero who was placed second on the opening day had another good round with a two-under 70 following three birdies and a bogey.
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“It was really hot and the greens were firm and fast. It’s a tough course and unfortunately we’re playing fliers off the fairways which makes it even harder trying to keep the ball on the greens.
“My plan for tomorrow will be the same, just put the ball on the fairways and try to get as close to the pins as possible,” he said.
He also thanked SGCC club captain Ng Loong Fah who took over caddy duties after his caddy had to give up after 12 holes, due to exhaustion as a result of the extreme heat.
“Captain Ng had got me into this event through a host club’s invite and today he helped caddy for the last six holes. I really appreciate his support.”
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Another local favourite Nicholas Fung also came into contention with a two-under 70 to jump from his overnight joint eighth position to joint third with Wilson Choo and Aretha Pan.
Leading the amateur field was Nasrullah Zulkifli with a three over and he is lying 11th on the board with Khor Kheng Hwai and Brandon Lau.
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Meanwhile, 57-year-old Chan Soo Keong stole the limelight by creating history with the first hole-in-one of the Toyota Tour.
The veteran who used a five-iron onto an elevated green on the 12th hole was initially not sure where the ball ended.
“I couldn’t see my ball when we got to the green and thought that it had rolled off. So as I walked past the pin I decided to look inside just in case, and to my surprise I saw my ball inside the cup. I was happy because it was my first hole-in-one.”
Leading scores after second round
138 Galven Green 70-68, Ben Leong 68-70
142 Wilson Choo 72-70, Aretha Pan 71-71, Nicholas Fung 72-70
145 Ervin Chang 67-78, Casper Loh 74-71, Shahriffuddin Ariffin 71-74
146 Paul San 74-72, Ryan Fernandez 71-75
147 Khor Kheng Wai 75-72, Nasrullah Zulkifli (am) 73-74, Brandon Lau 74-73
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