CLEAN SWEEP BY SABAH AT SUKMA GOLF TOURNAMENT

Sunday, July 15, 2012 - Sara Ismail

The ladies who will be representing Malaysia in the Espirito; Iman, Kelly and Aretha

Sabah claimed all four golds at stake through team events and individual

KUANTAN - Sabah came out as the big winner in the recent SUKMA Golf Competition by sweeping all the four golds at stake. Albright Chong and Aretha Pan both claimed the individual medal while their teams comprised Fazley Chua, Solomon, Jordan Mobijohn and Albright claimed the men's team medal and Aretha, Vivienne Chua and Diana Tham claimed the ladies' team medal.

Aretha's first appearance in SUKMA made huge wave in the ladies amateur scene when she dethroned the defending ladies amateur champion, Kelly Tan in the playoff. In what turned into a two-reigning ladies amateurs showdown in the final round, Aretha delivered the last blow when her ball coolly rolled into the cup on their first playoff hole. Aretha and Kelly carded identical three-under-par 69s to be tied at the top at six-under-par 210 tournament total, forcing the duo in a playoff for the gold. They were the only ones in the field of 32 golfers to stay below par on all three days.

The SUKMA Golf Championship was a 54-hole team and individual stroke play events jointly conducted by the SUKMA Secretariat and the Malaysian Golf Association. The tournament featured 11 ladies teams and 14 men team comprised of 3 and 4 team members respectively who are below 21 years old, from 14 states.

"I am happy to have won the gold and help my team to win gold as well on my first appearance here," Aretha said. "I hope that I will be able to contribute in the Espirito Santo in September."

"I am disappointed not being able to capitalize on the green," Kelly said. "It's certainly a bitter pill to swallow."

"However, I have to get passed this and work harder for the Espirito Santo Trophy later this year. Congratulation to Aretha for winning the gold."

Host Pahang settled for second place finish in the ladies' team event after carding a 2-over-par 434 tournament total, 7 strokes off the leader. Pahang was represented by Iman Ahmad Nordin, Sharon Lau and Khaw Wen Huei. Terengganu represented by Durriyah, Nuralissa and Yong Mei Khuan finished third with a 7-over-par 439.

Albright Chong of Sabah dominated the men division at SUKMA 2012, leading the event wire to wire to claim the individual gold and in the process steered the Sabah men's team to win the team gold.

"It feels great to win the individual gold," Albright said. "To be able to win the team gold as well is extra special. I dedicated this win to my parents and officials from Sabah."

Sabah won the team gold after carding a 7-over-par 655 tournament total. Kedah comprised Wafiyuddin, Irfan, Thaznim and Noor Hakimi finished second with a 15-over-par 663 followed by KL represented by Choo Teck, Ervin Chang, Wei Chean and Tuck Soon with a 19-over-par 667 tournament total.

Abel Tam of Johor finished second in the individual race after carding 2-under-par 214 tournament total followed by Ahmad Zahir of Pahang who carded an even-par 216 tournament total. Zahir's 3-under-par 69 was the lowest score in the final.

"I'm pretty happy with the results of the tournament especially by the ladies." MGA's President Tan Sri Anwar said. "The three ladies selected to spearhead Malaysia's challenge in the Espirito; Aretha, Kelly and Iman finished first, second and third respectively."

"The players selected for the Eisenhower; Gavin, Arie and Khai Jei did not play in SUKMA due to their commitment playing in overseas' events."

The Espirito and Eisenhower is part of the World Amateur Team Championship (WATC)which is the biggest amateur event in the world organized biennially by the International Golf Federation. Turkey has been selected to host the WATC in September and October this year. It will also be used as a qualifying event for the Youth Olympic Games to be held in Nanjing, China in 2014.

Please click here for Ladies Individual Results

Please click here for Men's Team Results

Please click here for Men's Individual Results

Please click here for Ladies Team Results