CHEN XINGTONG FENDS OFF ATIENZA’S LATE CHARGE TO SECURE SPOT AT 2025 HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Chen Xingtong held off a late charge by Aloysa Atienza to clinch a spot in next month’s HSBC Women’s World Championship after topping the National Qualifying Tournament by one shot at Sentosa Golf Club on Thursday.
Despite a challenging second round, where she posted a seven-over-par 79, Chen’s two-day total of five-over-par 149 was enough to secure her victory on a blustery day that she described as a struggle.
“I struggled today, and it was definitely a grind out there,” said Chen, who is currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Programme at the Singapore Sports School.
Starting the day with a three-shot lead on the Tanjong Course, Chen’s advantage quickly evaporated after bogeys on holes two, three, five, and six during her front nine. After turning in 40, she dropped additional shots on 11, 13, and 16, allowing Atienza to tie her for the lead on the 17th hole with a birdie.
The contest came down to the final hole, where Chen saved par while Atienza made a bogey, securing the victory by a single shot.
“I was definitely super nervous on 18 as I knew I had to stay calm. I told myself I could do it as I’ve been in such high-pressure situations before. I managed to save par and got the job done by one shot,” said Chen.
With her place in the US$2.4 million tournament assured, Chen, who also won the national qualifying tournament last year, is determined to improve on her 62nd-place finish at the previous edition.
“I’m trying to be a better version of myself every day. I have the experience of playing in my first HSBC Women’s World Championship under my belt. But now, it’s time to do better, especially with the experience I’ve gained over the last 12 months,competing under the Singapore flag for the Singapore Golf Association at local and regional tournaments,” said Chen.
The 15-year-old, a multiple winner of the HSBC-sponsored Singapore Golf Association Youth Golf Challenge, added: “We do not have many opportunities to qualify for a big tournament like the HSBC Women’s World Championship, and I’m thankful to HSBC for giving us this chance to try to qualify and compete against the world’s best players.”
Kee Joo Wong, CEO of HSBC Singapore, echoed Chen’s excitement about her second appearance at the prestigious event: “We are proud to celebrate Chen Xingtong earning her place to compete amongst the world’s best golfers at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. This achievement underscores the vital role of creating opportunities for homegrown talent to break through on the global stage. HSBC remains steadfast in our support for women athletes in reaching new heights, and we look forward to seeing Xingtong rise to the occasion and inspire others through this remarkable opportunity.”
The 72-hole stroke play HSBC Women’s World Championship will once again be played on the renowned Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, which hosts its 12th edition of the tournament.