FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

In its 31st year, the Singapore Island Country Club Junior Invitational Golf Championship reaffirms itself as one of the continent's major junior tournaments.

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The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) Junior Invitational Golf Championship (JIGC) is arguably the tournament that many of Asia's top junior golfers aim to win.

This year's 31st anniversary of the high-profile event was held at the historic Bukit Course last December, attracting 67 elite junior golfers from 14 countries and territories, competing across three days of stroke play in both Boys' and Girls' divisions. Sanctioned by the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) and recognised on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) as a counting event, the JIGC remains a cornerstone of the junior golf calendar and a launchpad for future champions.

Eric Chen Lixuan (China) delivered a composed opening round of 69, combining precision off the tee with confident putting to take an early lead in the Boys' Division. In the Girls' field, Singaporean Chloe Ng set the early pace with a disciplined opening round of 71, demonstrating composure and control throughout the day. She was closely followed by Yisoo Min of Korea who posted a steady 72. The international depth of the field was evident from the outset, with players from the Korea, Singapore and China clustered closely on the leaderboard.

Round Two proved pivotal as conditions tightened and pressure mounted. Eric Chen Lixuan reinforced his lead and remarkable consistency with another outstanding 69. The day's standout performance, however, came from Darin Nalamlieng of Thailand who carded an impressive 68 to climb into second place on a two-round total of 143.

In the Girls' Division, Yisoo Min maintained her composure with a solid 72, fending off challenges from Chloe Ng and countryman Kim MiHwan, both of whom remained within striking distance. With the leaderboards tightening, the Championship was poised for a compelling final round.