KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Hye-Jin Choi secured a four-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Maybank Championship after delivering a strong performance on Saturday. The South Korean golfer shot a remarkable 5-under 67, bringing her total to 19-under 197 over three rounds at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. This marks a significant moment for Choi, as she aims for her first victory on the LPGA Tour.
Choi, who has held the lead since the opening round, began the day with a commanding five-stroke advantage. At just 26 years old, she has already achieved 28 career top-10 finishes and notably finished second at the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open as a 17-year-old amateur. This is the first time she has maintained the lead after three rounds in her career and only the third occasion she has led a tournament heading into the final day, having finished as runner-up in her previous attempts.
“I’ve been waiting for this a really long time and I’m going to try my best tomorrow,” Choi stated. “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, China’s Liu Yan, finished the day with a bogey-free round of 65, placing her firmly in second. Australian golfer Hannah Green, part of the victorious Australian team at last week’s International Crown, sits in third place after a solid 67, trailing Choi by four strokes.
The biggest mover of the day was A Lim Kim, who surged up the leaderboard with a stunning 64, leaving her tied for fourth place, six strokes back. Kim’s round was highlighted by an eagle on the 18th hole and six birdies throughout. “It was a great shot, but improbable,” Kim remarked about her 25-foot eagle putt on the final hole. She began her round with four birdies in just five holes.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, who has been a strong contender in Malaysia for the past two years, shot a 65 and also tied for fourth place. Thitikul expressed gratitude for the support from her fans, describing the venue as a “mini-Thailand” for her, especially as she birdied her last three holes on Saturday.
Defending champion Yin Ruoning recorded a 69 and is currently in seventh place, seven strokes behind Choi, alongside New Zealander Lydia Ko, who posted a 68. Canadian golfer Brooke Henderson shot a 68, positioning her 11 strokes off the lead.
Next week, the LPGA will conclude its five-week Asian swing with the Japan Classic in Shiga. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Choi as she seeks to convert her lead into a long-awaited championship victory.
