RIANNE Malixi went on an early birdie-spree and churned out a five-under 67 as she shared top honors with Kelly Xu of the US in the 18-hole US Women's Amateur (USWA) Qualifying Tournament at the Soule Park Golf Course in Ojai, California on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).

Four others — Jeneath Wong of Malaysia and American Kellie Vongsaga, who matched 69s, and Hong Kong's Arianne Lau and Caroline Canales of the US, who carded identical 70s — took the four other slots to the tournament proper, but the other Filpina bidder, Alethea Gaccion, failed to advance with a 72.