- Alexander Yang, Leon D’Souza, Terrence Ng, and Motin Yeung all through to the weekend action at Fanling
- There has been no more than one Hong Kong player to have made the cut per edition in the tournament’s history
Team Hong Kong made history at the Hong Kong Open after four of its players made the cut for the weekend " the most local competitors since the tournament's inception.
The Open's youngest competitor, 17-year-old Alexander Yang, led the way as Leon D'Souza, Terrence Ng and Motin Yeung ensured that they will play over the weekend at Fanling. There has never been more than one home player to make the cut since the European Tour started co-sanctioning the event in 2001.
High school junior Yang " who finished at a remarkable 2-under overall in what is his "first big professional event" " was delighted he could play his part for the city he was born in.
"It's an awesome feeling to be leading the group and given that it's my first time here, even better," Yang said. "It was pretty similar to yesterday. I struck the ball really well but I didn't make that many putts. The greens got a little faster today and are still a little tricky," he said.
Fellow Hong Kong teammate Leon D'Souza ignited the loudest cheer of the day after sinking an unbelievable near-40-yard putt on the 18th hole. D'Souza, who has a 100 per cent record of making the Open cut having done so on his debut in 2017, finished at one-under and was proud of his teammates.
Wow look at this looooong putt on the 18th from #HongKong's Leon D'Souza. Superb finish and makes the cut in front of everyone! pic.twitter.com/5d6rhaw3Vb
" Andrew McNicol (@AndrewMcSport) January 10, 2020
"My putting was a little off but I had a good finish on the last. It's nice to finish like that in front of everybody and it's nice to make the cut as well," said the 21-year-old University of Southern California student.
"To do it against with everyone here and while I'm back on holiday. I'm really happy for the rest of the guys as well. Terence is disappointed because now I'm not going to be able to play with him tomorrow after making that last putt!"
The 25-year-old Terrence Ng also secured his place for the weekend with a solid par finish. Ng had always dreamed of making the cut at his home tournament having come close in the past.
"It feels great " I've seen a lot of guys play on the weekend before and now it's my turn," he said. "I'm trying to get to the top 30, that was my goal coming into the week. I'm pretty close so I hope I can make a few putts over the weekend to try to catch the leader.
"I was thinking about the cut a little bit towards the end. The last six holes, I was telling myself that I can't make a huge mistake and try to play to the middle of the green," said Ng, who also urged Hong Kong people to come out and support those still in contention.
Elsewhere, Motin Yeung ended his day at one-over-par, which was enough to keep him in the weekend roster. Yeung's successful round ensured he is finally over his streak of missing seven straight cuts last year.
Other team members Taichi Kho (+3), Matthew Cheung (+4), Isaac Lam (+5), Jason Hak Shun-yat (+11), James Stewart (+13), Ben Wong (+14), Lou Tan Chi-hin (+14), Wilson Choy (+15) and Derek Fung (+16) did not make the cut.
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