KUALA LUMPUR: Ng Jing Xuen created history today when she became the first Malaysian to emerge as the first women's individual winner in golf at the Sea Games.Jing Xuen upstaged her more illustrious rival, Eila Galitsky of Thailand, by triumphing in the first extra hole of the sudden-death playoff at the Garden City Golf Club in Phnom Penh.
She calmly converted her par-putt as she ended the nation's 30-year gold medal drought in the women's competition.
The last time Malaysia tasted success in the women's event was through the trio of Lim Ai Lian, Lim Siew Ai and Irene Yeoh, who clinched the team gold in the 1993 edition in Singapore.Ai Lian also bagged the individual silver, which remained the best result before it was surpassed by Jing Xuen.
Jing Xuen, who trailed Eila by just one shot at the start of the day, fired a sizzling five-under 67 to end the regulation play at 13-under 203. Her efforts saw her finish tied with Eila at the top after the latter signed off with a 68.
Foong Zi Yu made it two Malaysians on the podium by claiming bronze after closing with an impressive 67 to finish third on 208.
So what was Jing Xuen's secret to her success? Be like a goldfish!
She said she owed her victory to Spaniard world No. 1 Jon Rahm after she got inspired by his goldfish theory.Following his US Masters triumph last month, Rahm revealed that thinking like a goldfish helped.
He was referring to Ted Lasso, an American sports comedy-drama television series which had a scene depicting a football coach telling his team that goldfish only have ten-second memories, and they have to forget about any mistakes just as quickly.
"It was incredible and unbelievable. It was unexpected and it feels amazing. I'm very grateful for everything," said a delighted Jing Xuen, who had finished a dismal 15th with a 19-over 235 total in the Hanoi edition last year.
"I wasn't aware that I had become the first Malaysian woman's individual champion until Uncle Teoh (Piek Kee, team manager) told me. I guess the Jon Rahm interview really helped me a lot. Be a goldfish on the course!
"Even though you hit a bad shot, just be happy about it and move on. With this mindset, everything just falls into place."
Malcolm Ting made it a day to remember for Malaysia as he added a silver in the men's competition. He topped the three-way playoff for silver by edging Vietnam's Anh Minh Nguyen and compatriot Anson Yeo, who came in third and fourth, respectively.
Vietnam's Khanh Hung Le was a runaway winner as his closing 69 saw him win by a comfortable four-shot margin from the closest trio on 13-under 203.Malcolm wrapped up the 54-hole regulation play with a 70 for 207 total, and his effort was matched by Anson (71) and Nguyen (68).
"Disappointed not to get the gold for the team, but I'll take the silver. I will try to make amends in the team event with my teammates," vowed Malcolm, the elder brother of Mirabel Ting who won the women's team silver in Hanoi last year.