HONG KONG, 6 Sept 2012 (HK Golfer) - Michelle Cheung is looking to become the first local player in a decade to win the Hong Kong Ladies Open Amateur Championship after firing a solid 70 in the second round at Discovery Bay Golf Club.
Cheung, 17, lies on a two-day total of 141 (one-under-par), just a stroke behind co-leaders Cyna Marie Rodriguez (72) and Sarah Jane Ababa (74) of the Philippines, after mixing two birdies and just one bogey over the punishing cliff-top course. The South Island School student, who will play in the final group, occupies third spot alongside defending champion Jayvie Agojo.
Sarah Henderson, in 2002, was the last Hong Kong golfer to claim the title.
Tiffany Chan, arguably Hong Kong's finest female player over the past five years, also finds herself in contention. A 72 leaves 18-year-old Chan, who has struggled this week with a rib injury, just three off the lead heading into the final round.
Another local talent, Isabella Leung, fired the joint-best round of the day – a two-under 69 – to lie a further shot adrift in solo seventh spot.
"I'm extremely happy to see our players in amongst the leaders," said Hong Kong National Coach Brad Schadewitz. "This is a really strong field, so to have three players – Michelle, Tiffany and Isabella – with a chance to win shows we've made a lot of progress."
Day Two Standings
140 – Cyna Marie Rodriguez (Philippines) 68 72; Sarah Jane Ababa (Philippines) 66 74
141 – Jayvie Agojo (Philippines) 72 69; Michelle Cheung (Hong Kong) 71 70
143 – Tiffany Chan (Hong Kong) 71 72; Kamonwan Lueamsri (Thailand) 69 74
144 – Isabella Leung (Hong Kong) 75 69
145 – Chayant Wangmahaporn (Thailand) 72 73
148 – Pitchsaon Chaichompoo (Thailand) 77 71; Kitty Tam (Hong Kong) 75 73