Singapore: A top-10 finish in the HSBC Women’s World Championship is the aim of ambitious Singaporean teenager Amanda Tan.

Overturning a three-stroke overnight deficit, the 19-year-old swept to victory in the event’s first Regional Qualifying Tournament, booking herself a starting spot alongside the world’s finest female golfers.

Following her opening even-par 72 with a two-under 70, Tan repelled a strong, multi-pronged Thai challenge over the New Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“Having the regional format of the qualifying tournament makes it much more competitive. It’s a harder fight, especially with the Thai girls around,” said Tan, referring to the fact that four Thais finished in the top-six.

Arpichaya Yubol was second on 144 followed by 15-year-old amateur Atthaya Thitikul (146), winner of last year’s inaugural Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific at Sentosa. A further two strokes back was first-round leader Kanphanitan Muangkhumsakul, who struggled to a 79 on day two.

For Tan, however, a third appearance in the HSBC Women’s World Championship beckons, having made her debut as an amateur in 2014 and qualified again in 2017.

“I was disappointed with my performance in 2017, so hopefully after playing two years on Tour, it’ll help me this time. I’m hoping to get into the top-10 … or just being up there would be nice. At the same time, I just want to focus on myself and what I should be doing during the week.”

Sharyn Foo, Head of Marketing, Commercial Banking, HSBC Singapore and South Asia, said: “Congratulations to Amanda on a superb performance over two days to top a very competitive field in our first Regional Qualifying Tournament.

“The HSBC Women’s World Championship has been a catalyst for the growth of the women’s game in Asia. We’re very proud that since we created the event in 2008, the championship has established itself as one of the stand-out tournaments on the LPGA Tour.

“As a long-term supporter of golf, we are committed to elevating the level of golf in the region and beyond. The Regional Qualifying Tournament provides a great platform for talented young golfers in Asia to challenge one another and to compete against the best in the world. We wish Amanda all the best at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in a few weeks’ time and look forward to seeing her back out on course.”

The Regional Qualifying Tournament was contested by 18 players from six countries over 36 holes of stroke play.

The 63-strong field for the HSBC Women’s World Championship – February 28 to March 3 – will include the world’s top-20 players, led by world number one Ariya Jutanugarn and defending champion Michelle Wie.