Jeneath Wong Makes History as First Malaysian WAAP Winner; Indian Golfers Face Challenges

Synopsis

In a remarkable achievement, Jeneath Wong becomes the first Malaysian to clinch the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP). The event sees mixed results for Indian golfers with Saanvi Somu leading the trio, while Guntas Kaur Sandhu and Mannat Brar face challenges in their final rounds.

Key Takeaways

Jeneath Wong is the first Malaysian WAAP champion.
She finished with an impressive 18-under score.
Indian golfers faced tough conditions.
Saanvi Somu was the top Indian finisher.
Next WAAP will be held in Wellington, New Zealand.

Da Nang (Vietnam), March 9 (NationPress) Jeneath Wong, who relocated to Australia at the age of ten and currently competes for Pepperdine University in collegiate golf in the United States, has made history as the first Malaysian champion of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP).

Wong delivered an impressive performance, highlighted by a critical par putt on the 16th hole, a flawless tee shot that landed just six inches from the hole on the 17th, and a brilliant pitch that set up an 8-foot birdie on the 18th, finishing with a round of 68.

With a total of 18-under par, Wong secured victory by a single stroke over Korea’s Soomin Oh (66), who mounted a strong challenge with a bogey-free round but ultimately fell short against Wong's steady finish.

Having previously finished 18th in 2022, where she also recorded a hole-in-one, Wong nearly achieved another on the Par-3 17th in the final round in Vietnam, with her tee shot coming within six inches.

In contrast, the Indian trio experienced a subdued conclusion after making the halfway cut. Saanvi Somu was the top performer at Tied-38th, while 14-year-old Guntas Kaur Sandhu finished 47th and Mannat Brar placed 48th.

Saanvi, competing for the second consecutive year, carded her second straight 1-under par 70, totaling 2-over for the week with rounds of 72-74-70-70, making her the best Indian finisher.

First-time competitor Guntas, the youngest Indian to make the WAAP cut, struggled in the final round with a 7-over 78, finishing at 9-over in 47th place. Despite her challenges, she showcased skill with 14 birdies—the highest among Indian players—but her lack of experience in strong winds hindered her performance.

Mannat, who succeeded in making the cut after three previous attempts, faced difficulties, scoring 78, and concluded at 10-over in 48th place with scores of 67-76-73-78.

Three Korean players finished in the top four, with Sumin Hong (68) taking third place solo, while Yunseo Yang (66) and Jazy Roberts (66) were tied for fourth.

The next Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship is scheduled for 2026 in Wellington, New Zealand.