Rianne Malixi fired a sparkling six-under-par 66 built on seven birdies to seize a share of second place in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) Championship at Royal Wellington Golf Club in New Zealand on Friday. 

The 18-year-old Duke University standout moved to 10-under 134 after 36 holes, positioning herself just three shots behind Korean leader Yang Yunseo heading into the final two rounds of the 72-hole stroke-play event.

After opening with a four-under 68 in the first round, Malixi kept her foot on the gas in the rain-affected second round. She stitched together three straight birdies from the third hole, added another on the seventh, and then absorbed her lone blemish of the day with a bogey on the ninth.

Unfazed, she picked up further shots on 12, 14, and 17, showcasing the aggressive but controlled golf that has made her one of the most highly regarded amateurs in the region.

Her 66 drew her level with Korea’s Kim Gyu Been, who carded the day’s best round, a seven-under 65, to also reach 10-under. 

Out in front, Yang followed up her opening 64 with a composed 67 to stay at 13-under and maintain the overnight lead, setting up a compelling three-way battle for the title and the coveted major-championship invitations on offer to the winner.

The WAAP champion this week will earn starts in several of women’s golf’s biggest events, including the AIG Women’s Open, the Chevron Championship, and the Amundi Evian Championship, making Malixi’s surge up the leaderboard all the more significant for Philippine golf. 

The Royal Wellington layout, with its tree-lined fairways and demanding greens, is rewarding the kind of precise iron play and steady temperament that the Filipina has displayed over the first two days.

The news was less bright for the other Filipina in the field, Junia Gabasa, who missed the 36-hole cut after struggling to a 77 in the second round. 

With the field trimmed to the top 50 and ties for the weekend, Malixi will now carry the country’s hopes alone as she chases a historic WAAP crown for the Philippines.