Malixi fires 69, trails Zhang by five shots

Ryan Malix

After recovering from a long trip, Rianne Malixi on Wednesday shot a three-under par 69 to extend her claim at the ongoing Citrus Golf Trail Ladies Invitational hosted by Vanessa Zhang at Sun ‘N Lake golf club in Sebring, Florida.

After shooting a forgettable 78 to open things on Tuesday, Malixi fired four birdies in the second round against one bogey to trail Zhang by five with a total of 147 going into the final 36 holes of the event without a cut.

“I’ve adjusted enough today,” Malixi said. “I hit more fairways and greens and converted a few putts. I also left a few putts in there, but so far, I’ve been hitting it pretty well.

Canada’s Zhang fell short with a 73, but was still two strokes ahead of American Ffion Tynan, who shot a 70.

Grace Lu, Sofia Essakali and Thanana Kotchasanmanee shot 72, 73 and 74 respectively to tie Malixi, easily the best amateur in the house.

Malixi, the International Container Terminal Services Inc.-backed shotmaker, almost chipped in for an eagle on the par-4 No. 5 before draining a seven-footer for her fourth birdie at No. 13. He just dropped a shot coming in at No. where he missed a six-footer for par.

Winner of two American Junior Golf Association titles this year, Malixi will next play in the Orlando International Amateur Jan. 4-6 at the Orange Country National and will face some of the world’s top players at the Annika Invitational on Jan. 15 to 17 at Eagle Creek Golf Club, both in Florida.

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