Singapore golfers Quek and James fly nation's flag high
Some things change.
The Singapore Open returned this week following a three-year absence and there was much fanfare with a brand-new title sponsor in SMBC.
It was also the first edition to boast a world No. 1 in the field, reigning Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth, alongside a host of other stars including former Major winners in YE Yang and Darren Clarke.
There were some things that stayed the same.
Like the weather that once again wreaked havoc at Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong Course, just like it did in the previous two editions in 2011 and 2012.
And thanks to Quincy Quek and James Leow, local interest will be maintained today.
After Friday's play had been suspended due to thunderstorms, a total of 78 players, including the Singaporean duo, had to return bright and early yesterday morning to finish off the second round and, having made the cut, immediately turned their focus on another 18 holes.
Quek's strong start had left him three under after two rounds but the exertions eventually got to him as he dropped two shots in the afternoon.
He is lying joint-29th overall on one-under 212.
The 28-year-old is looking forward to finishing with a bang today.
Looking exhausted with parched lips, Quek told The New Paper: "It was a very long day... 35 holes in total.
"On the bright side, the weather was good but I was quite tired and just trodding along.
"It definitely could have been a lot better but (I made) a lot of par saves so I'm quite satisfied.
"I want to do my best having waited three years (for the Singapore Open to return) and it is a rare privilege to play in a field with the world number one.
"First, I'm looking forward to some rest tonight, be fresher tomorrow and hopefully shoot a low number."
While Quek is into his eighth year as a professional and had previously made the cut at the 2012 Singapore Open, the other Singaporean flying the flag well does not even get out of his teens until December.
Leow is on four-over 217 and in joint-59th position.
Having made the decision to quit school and focus on the sport last year, Leow, who begins national service in April, believes his display thus far has vindicated his decision to make the bold move.
"I made a big step to drop out of school and I think, after nine months, it was the right choice," the 19-year-old told TNP.
"Representing (Singapore) is always a pleasure and it's a big thing for me to be the first amateur to make the cut since the Singapore Open came back after three years.
"I'm just really glad to be able to play in the biggest event in Singapore, the weekend as well, in front of my friends and I'm looking forward to playing well tomorrow and getting a red number in."
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