KAJANG: A better prepared Team Malaysia were able to secure victory in the second round of the China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations Golf Series at the Impian Golf and Country Club on Sunday.
Malaysian players were able to outscore their China counterparts 174-167 in the two vs two team matchplay in mixed weather conditions.
Malaysia's Hisham Sarjeet won the gross score category while teammate Jeffery Loh won the medal A category. China's Sammi Li topped the women's category.
A total of 100 players - 50 each from China and Malaysia - competed in the second round.
Malaysia team captain Nik Saiful Nik Mokhtar was all smiles after the win.
"We drew with China in the opening round, but this time we trained together and were better prepared.
"We fought all out and in the end, we were able to claim a close win today, only seven points separated us," said Nik Saiful.
"The conditions were very interesting, the weather went from hot to cold (due to rain) which was challenging.
"Especially in terms of reading the green and it also got a bit slippery. Getting good distance was also tricky due to the wind.
"We expect China's players to come back strong in the third round, so we will have to be prepared."
The third round will be held at the Sungai Long Golf and Country Club on June 23.
The China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations Golf Series, which features six rounds, is jointly organised by WDA Technology Sdn Bhd and The Golf Goddess with the New Straits Times Press as official media partner.
New Straits Times Group Editor Farrah Naz Karim and Executive Editor Sharanjit Singh presented prizes to the winners in the second round.