Singapore: Teenage amateur Chen Xing Tong has clinched a coveted spot in the 2024 edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship, emerging victorious in Singapore’s national qualifying tournament.
The Secondary Four student from Singapore Sports School and a national squad member outplayed eight compatriots with rounds of 70 and 74 for a two-day total of even-par 144 to punch her ticket to the LPGA event which will be returning for its 16th edition at the Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club from February 29-March 3.
“I’m very happy to have won this qualifier. I exceeded my own expectations and I’m really looking forward to playing against the world’s best players at the main event next month,” said 15-year-old Chen, who will represent Singapore in next week’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) in Thailand.
It’s been a promising few months for Chen, winning her first international event at the Selangor Amateur Open last December and securing a fourth-place finish at the Philippines National Stroke Play Championship a fortnight ago.
At the HSBC Women’s World Championship, Chen will share the stage with some of the world’s top players, including Lilia Vu, Yin Ruoning, Celine Boutier, Minjee Lee and Ko Jin-young.
Chen said: “I’m very excited but also very nervous to be able to play with some of the best in the world. I’m just really, really excited about this opportunity. These past two days, I really wanted to be consistent – keeping the ball in play and hitting the fairways and greens. Basically, playing simple golf.”
With her place in the tournament confirmed, Chen intends to intensify her preparations. “For me, it will be to try to maintain the same level of consistency I had over the past two days. I’ll continue training, and we’ll see how my game progresses.”
Kee Joo Wong, CEO HSBC Singapore, said: “We are delighted to witness Chen Xing Tong earn her spot to compete alongside the world’s best golfers in the HSBC Women’s World Championship.
“The national qualifying tournament underscores the importance of creating pathways for local talents to shine on the global stage. HSBC remains committed to empowering athletes to reach their full potential, and we look forward to seeing Xing Tong make her mark in the world-class tournament.”
Sentosa Golf Club is a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.