Malixi battles through

WELLINGTON -- Rianne Malixi overcame early misfortunes to post a third round 1-over 73 and remain in title contention at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) on Saturday, Feb. 14.

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The 18-year-old Malixi dropped a double bogey and bogey in her opening five holes at Royal Wellington Golf Club before bravely fighting back with birdies on 14 and 17 to sit in solo fourth place on 9-under 207, four shots back of 54-hole leader Yang Yunseo of Korea.

Bidding to become the first golfer from the Philippines to lift the prestigious WAAP title, the teenage phenom, who won the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur, knows her putter needs to get hot on Sunday, Feb. 15.

“It was not a good day in the office,” said Malixi, who has two top-5 finishes at the WAAP.