Subang Jaya: First round leaders Low Khai Jei and Filipino Princess Mary Superal took a step closer to clinching the prestigious 100PLUS Malaysia Junior Open titles with superb second round performances at the Saujana Golf and Country Club on Thursday.

Khai Jei, who suffered heartache last year when he missed a birdie on the second extra hole, shot a flawless three-under 69 for a two-day total of four-under 140 to lead compatriot Paul San by four strokes.

Debutant Princess followed up on her opening even-par 72 with a solid two-under 70 today to extend her lead in the girls’ division to nine-strokes. Local lass Genevieve Ling (77) is second on 153, one-stroke ahead of national player Nur Durriyah Damian.

“I learnt from my mistake last year and believe I can close out the tournament tomorrow,” said a confident Khai Jei, who had a birdie on the 18th today to go along with birdies on the 12th and 13th holes in a bogey-less round.

“I will not take anything for granted. I have to stay focus and play my own game and not worry about anyone else,” shared the 16-year-old.

If Khai Jei wins the title, he will be the fourth Malaysian after Muhammad Azry Asyraf Noor Azam (2011), Gavin Kyle Green (2009) and Akhmal Tarmizi Nazari (2007) to claim the crown.

Mary, who is hoping to make it a hattrick of victories for the Philippines following wins by Sarah Ababa and Dottie Ardina in the last two editions, rued missing out on a bigger lead after she failed to convert a clutch of birdies. “Yes, it could have been better but I’m still delighted with the score and the lead,” said Princess.

Leading second round scores

Boys’
140 – Low Khai Jei 71-69
144 – Paul San 71-73
149 – Muhammad Naqiuddin Md Fuad 74-75
150 – Park Chang Uk (KOR) 75-75
151- Daniel Mohd Sidek 77-74

Girls’
142 – Princes Mary Superal (PHI) 72-70
153 – Genevieve Ling 76-77
154 – Nur Durriyah Damian 76-78
156 – Sarafina Vinota Seretharan 80-76, Asha Lakshme 74-82
158 – Kelie Kan Kah Yan 87-71