Rianne Malixi kept the fire going on Friday, storming home with a three-under-par 69 to take a share of 11th place halfway through the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific at the Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand.
The 16-year-old hotshot, who finished third in the same event last year, is five shots away from the leader, Hinano Mugurima of Japan who had a sensational 66.
Muguruma had a 68 in the opening round for 134 total.
Showing toughness amid pressure, Malixi birdied No. 4, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 16 to cushion the sting of her bogeys at fifth, sixth and 15th.
She has a 139 total entering the weekend, still plenty of elbow room to finish in the upper rungs of the leaderboard.
Grace Quintanilla submitted a 70 to go with her 72 on opening day for a share of 24th place.
Alethea Gaccion also made the cut at one-over with still a hole left in the second round.
Anya Cedo, who shot a 73 Friday, missed the bus to third round along with Junia Gabasa (74) and Nicole Abelar (74).
The tournament dangles spots in three of the LPGA majors and several other Tour stops.
