TLPGA Tour pro rookie Tseng Chen (曾楨) holds the lead in a tournament for the first time. She shot a 4-under 68, in just her second outing as a pro, at the Nan Pao TLPGA Heritage Tour, carrying a three-shot lead into tomorrow’s final-round.

Chen Meng-Chu (陳孟竺) was the only other player with a red number on Wednesday at the Nan Pao Golf Course. Recent winner in the YICHEN Heritage Tour Wu Chia-Yen (吳佳晏) sit in a four-way tie for third in even-par 72.

This week’s Nan Pao Heritage Tour features 39 local pros, who compete for a NT$700,000 purse and a NT$83,300 top prize, as well as 44 amateur and junior players. In the “Heritage Tour” event format, the amateur and junior players are paired with the TLPGA Tour members, so the young ones can closely interact with seasoned pros and pick up valuable learning experience.

Tseng, who herself haven’t yet to find her footing on the tour, is making only her second appearance since WPG Ladies Open after she passed the TLPGA Pro-Test in April in her second attempt.

“I didn’t play well at the Sunrise (WPG Open), but I was positive that I was able to found afterwards where I needed to improve playing at this high level,” said the 19-year-old, who since focused on transforming her short game which was put to effect in today’s round. Tseng took advantage on three par-5s, making five birdies in total. She showed some putting skills in clutch moments as well, saving par with a 12-footer on the 154-yard par-3 8th hole where she drove way past the green. “I had great hand feel around the greens, which also helped with my confidences on the greens.”

Cheng Meng-Chu felt a growing peace in mind despite the pandemic uncertainties putting clouds on professional athletes’ well-being. “I’m feeling more and more comfortable in general, just enjoying the tour and the game. I hope this positivity reflects on my results,” Chen said.

TLPGA Tour 2021 year-end no.1 Wu Chia-Yen is looking to repeat her win in YICEHN Heritage Tour in April. She recorded four birdies but was set back by two bogeys and one double-bogey to settle for a 37-35, even-par 72. During her victory run at YICHEN Heritage Tour, Wu came back from one-shot behind to winning by a five-shot margin.

Final-round action begins at 6:30 Thursday morning. The Nan Pao TLPGA Heritage Tour first joined the Tour in 2018; this is the third edition after 2020, featuring a bigger total money from NT$600,000 to NT$700,000.