Subang: Reigning boys and girls champions Low Khai Jei of Malaysia and Filipino starlet Princess Mary Superal will defend their titles at the eighth edition of the 100PLUS Malaysian Junior Open, which tees off next Wednesday at Glenmarie Golf & Country Club.

The duo will not only face stiff opposition from participants from nine Asia-Pacific countries including Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, Nepal, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Singapore but will also have to overcome the penal rough and fast-rolling greens at the par-72 Garden Course, which is being prepped for the inaugural EurAsia Cup next year.

Tournament custodian, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), also confirmed that a strong ensemble of local junior golfers, namely Albright Chong, Ervin Chang, Galven Kendall Green, Solomon Emilio Rosidin, Bryan Teoh Wiyang, Aaerishna Shahsty Balakrishnan, Aaron Cheong and Amir Nazrin Jailani will compete in the boys’ division while Nur Durriyah Damian, Loy Hee Ying, Nyca Khaw Wen Huie, Ashley Lau Jen Wen, Kelly Kan Kah Yan, Nur Eliana Ariffin, Ong Shi Qing and Siti Zulaikhaa Shaari will feature in the girls’ category.

MGA president Admiral (R) Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor expressed his delight at the growth of the event. “I am extremely pleased to see how the event has grown over the years. Initially, this event was limited only to local players but with the support from 100PLUS, we have now expanded the championship to include regional participants.

“Due to scheduling difficulties, we had to postpone the event to November this year with Glenmarie Golf & Country Club readily stepping in to host the championship at the last hour.

“However, we are looking forward to returning the tournament to its August date in 2014 with the Sandakan Golf & Country Club in Sabah slated as the venue,” he added during the official presentation ceremony on Thursday.

F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd marketing consultant Dato Haji Kamal Harun noted that 100Plus was committed to help local junior golfers deliver their best performance on the golf course.

“When we first decided to support this event, it was with the objective of creating an addition platform for junior players to compete at the highest level against their peers, local and foreign. Over the years, many Malaysian juniors have benefited from this event, including the country’s leading amateurs Gavin Kyle Green and Kelly Tan,” shared Kamal.

A total of 110 players have confirmed their participation for the 54-hole event to-date.