Rianne Mikhaela Malixi hopes to become the first Filipina to win the individual title in 12 years when the Philippines hosts the prestigious 43rd Amateur Ladies Asia-Pacific Invitational golf team championships, also known as the Queen’s Sirikit Cup, at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite from 20 to 24 February.
Malixi, who turns 16 next month, is out to duplicate the feat of Dottie Ardina in 2011.
Princess Superal and Yuka Saso posted second runner-up finishes in 2015 and 2018, respectively.
It will mark the first time the country is hosting the annual tournament last held in Singapore last year.
Japan is the defending champion.
The Filipinas have yet to win the team crown, settling for runner-up finishes in 2011 and 2015.
Malixi will be joined by multi-titled Lois Kaye Go and Mafy Singson in the team captained by Ann Granada.
Fourteen countries are entered in the 72-hole event, namely: Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Burma, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The event, recognized as the official ladies’ golf tournament in the Asia-Pacific region, is organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines.
“This is a milestone event for us because this year is our 50th anniversary. We will make sure that all the participants, including coaches and parents, will have a great time,” WGAP president Cielo Regino-Fregil said.
