In a commanding performance, Hye-Jin Choi maintained her lead at the Maybank Championship, taking a four-stroke advantage into the final round after shooting a remarkable 5-under 67 on Saturday. The event is taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, where Choi has showcased her talent throughout the tournament.
The 26-year-old South Korean golfer has accumulated a total score of 19-under 197 over three rounds. She began the day with a five-stroke lead and is hunting for her first victory on the LPGA Tour. Choi’s track record includes 28 top-10 finishes, and she notably finished second at the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open as a 17-year-old amateur. This is the first time in her career she has led after the first three rounds, making the stakes even higher as she heads into the final round.
Choi’s Resolve and Rivals
“I’ve been waiting for this a really long time, and I’m going to try my best tomorrow,” Choi remarked after her round. “I think I will feel like I’m making the dream come true, and I just imagine it. I’m just looking for a victory tomorrow.”
Choi’s closest competitor, Liu Yan of China, secured second place with a bogey-free round of 65, putting pressure on Choi as they head into the final day. Meanwhile, Hannah Green, part of the winning Australian team at last weekend’s International Crown, sits in third place after also shooting a 67. Green is four strokes behind Choi and poised to challenge for the title.
Among the notable performances, A Lim Kim made significant strides with a 64, placing her in a tie for fourth, six strokes back from the leader. Kim’s round featured six birdies, including a remarkable eagle on the 18th hole. “It was a great shot, but improbable,” she commented on her 25-foot eagle putt.
Notable Competitors and Upcoming Events
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, who has finished as a runner-up in Malaysia for the past two years, shot a 65 and is also tied for fourth. Thitikul expressed gratitude towards her supporters, describing the venue as a “mini-Thailand” for her. Defending champion Yin Ruoning posted a 69, placing her in seventh, while New Zealander Lydia Ko finished with a score of 68, leaving her seven strokes behind Choi.
As the LPGA Tour transitions out of Asia, the final stop will be the Japan Classic in Shiga next week, wrapping up a five-week swing through the region. The competition remains fierce, and with Choi leading the pack, the excitement is palpable as the tournament approaches its conclusion.
