SINGAPORE, June 15 (Xinhua) -- India's Hitaashee Bakshi overcame a marathon day by returning to the clubhouse with a four-under-par 68 to be among the 37 out of 132 players to finish their second round at the weather-hit Singapore Ladies Masters on Saturday.
Chinese teenager Wang Zixuan also heaved a sigh of relief as the 16-year-old returned with a 70 for a two-day total of three-under-par 141 to ensure she remains in a good position for a shot at glory at the US$100,000 event which is sanctioned by the China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA).
Multiple suspensions throughout the day due to inclement weather conditions had forced play to be disrupted at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club. Play will now resume at 710am on Sunday morning with first round leader Cai Danlin of China currently at six-under through four holes.
19-year-old Bakshi, a multiple winner on her domestic tour and also playing on the Thai LPGA, where she topped the Qualifying School this year, kept her composure as she braved not only the elements but also fatigue to keep herself in contention
"I played 28 holes today and this is the most number of holes I've played! I came at 530 in the morning. It was a super long day and very tiring. But I'm glad I managed to pull it off today.
"When I started making birdies, I just felt like, the rhythm's getting up and then all of a sudden, they put the siren on again and the game stops. It was mentally exhausting but physically, I've already prepared myself to play in conditions like this," said Bakshi, who traded six birdies against two bogeys.
Wang was also relieved she could complete her rounds after braving the testing conditions.
"I'm just so happy I managed to finish my rounds today. It was really a very long day and I had to play 26 holes today. It was a demanding test but overall, I'm just pleased I managed to finish the round and put myself in a good position for the final round on Sunday.
The Singapore Ladies Masters, sanctioned by the China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA), is the only tournament on China's premier women's golf circuit held outside China in their 2024 season.
The top 60 professional players, along with ties, from the opening two rounds will advance to the final round of the Singapore Ladies Masters on Sunday. ■
