HK player emerges victorious in Faldo Series Shenzhen Championship

Leung Ming-yan from Hong Kong holds the trophy after the Faldo Series Shenzhen Championship at Mission Hills Dongguan. 

The three-day 19th Faldo Series Shenzhen Championship wrapped up Sunday at Mission Hills Dongguan, with Leung Ming-yan from Hong Kong emerging as the overall champion with a total score of 238 strokes.

Cassie Luo from New Zealand showcased exceptional skill and and determination to clinch the title in the girls' 13-18 age group, while Hong Kong's Owen Zhang displayed his prowess to claim the boys' 11-12 age group title. Deng Ziyu from the Chinese mainland secured the championship in the girls' 11-12 age group.

The Faldo Course at the Mission Hills stands out as China's first "stadium course," featuring the region's only island green, located at the challenging par-3 16th hole. With a difficulty index exceeding 150, this course is renowned as one of Asia's most demanding golfing destinations.

Despite facing scorching heat and unexpected rainstorms, the players delivered outstanding performances, reflecting their dedication and skill. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, young talents at the event expressed their enthusiasm for the Olympics, especially with the participation of four esteemed Chinese golfers.

Yin Ruoning, Lin Xiyu, Yuan Yechun, and Dou Zecheng have been selected to represent China at the Olympics, showcasing their exceptional skills on the global stage.

Notably, Yin and Lin, ranked 4th and 15th worldwide respectively, have secured coveted Olympic spots for the Chinese women's team. Their impressive rankings mark a historic achievement for Chinese golf in Olympic selections. The 21-year-old Yin will make her Olympic debut, while Lin makes history as the first Chinese golfer to compete in three consecutive Olympics.

Yin's name is synonymous with success in youth tournaments at Mission Hills, having excelled in events such as the 2016 Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Championship and the 2019 Annika Youth Invitational, where she claimed the championship and secured third place, respectively.

Mission Hills has proven to be a breeding ground for talented young golfers, nurturing promising stars like Chen Guxin, Ye Wucheng, Tong Yang, Sui Rong, and Xiong Tianyi, who have gained recognition both domestically and internationally.

The Faldo Series, affiliated with the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking events, has received steadfast support from the R&A over the years. This event is significant in the Chinese Golf Association ranking system, providing players with valuable opportunities to earn points and enhance their standings. The champions across various categories and the top-performing Chinese players from this championship will receive invitations to participate in the prestigious 2024 Faldo Asia Series Grand Final, which will be held in Vietnam.

Founded by the legendary Sir Nick Faldo, a six-time Major championship winner, the Faldo Asia Series was established in 2006. Over the years, this esteemed series has hosted more than 40 events in over 30 countries.