Tiffany Comes up Trumps in Taiwan

Typhoon Soudelor struck Taiwan early last month but not before Hong Kong amateur sensation Tiffany Chan stormed to victory at the Future Open, a NT$3 million (HK$735,000) professional event held on the outskirts of Taipei, thanks a nerveless final-round display.

The 21-year-old, who broke into the top-10 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking late last year, started the day a shot behind overnight leader Hsieh Yu Ling but breezed past her more experienced opponent with a brilliant back-nine in high winds at Tong Hwa Golf and Country Club to shoot 69 and win the Taiwan LPGA-sanctioned event by four.

In doing so, the former Diocesan Girls’ School student became the first player from Hong Kong to win a professional tournament that carries Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking points.

“I came into the event with the aim of being the best amateur but I handled myself well in the conditions and played an almost perfect round.” said Chan, who finished with a nine-under-par total after opening up with scores of 72 and 65. “I’ve always liked playing in the - with the typhoon coming there was a chance the final round would be - so I’m really happy with the way the weather and everything worked out. It’s very satisfying.”