Defending champion Miyu Yamashita carries a two‑stroke lead into Sunday’s final round of the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship after shooting a five‑under 67 on Saturday.
The 2025 Women’s British Open winner and second‑round leader posted a 54‑hole total of 198, leaving her 18 under par on the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club course.
“It was a very nice round today as well,” said Yamashita. “I had a few tricky situations during the round, but I managed to get through them and finish without dropping a shot, so I’m really pleased with that.”
China’s Yan Liu posted the round of the day on Saturday, a 63 that included an eagle, nine birdies and two bogeys, moving her into a tie for second place. Pauline Roussin‑Bouchard, who led after the opening round and shot 67, is level with Yan, who is focusing on maintaining a calm mindset for the final round.
“I just really enjoyed today,” said Liu. “I think my swing is in very good position and my putting was on fire today. Yeah, really happy for my putter, and I hope tomorrow it’s the same.”
“One shot at a time, just live in the present.”
Yamashita captured last year’s Malaysian tournament in a three‑way playoff and aims to defend her title for the first time on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.
“Of course winning a title is something pretty special itself, but I really like the course and I’ve been getting so much support from the fans here in Malaysia so I will do my best here tomorrow,” she added.
Last week, Yuri Yoshida claimed the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea, becoming the fourth Japanese player to win on the LPGA Tour this season, alongside Yamashita, Shiho Kuwaki and Yuna Nishimura. Yoshida carded a 66 on Saturday to finish at 11 under par.
Charley Hull fella back after a disappointing Saturday round of 72 at the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship
The top two English players will need a strong finish on Sunday to stay in contention. Charley Hull posted a 72, leaving her nine under and tied for 18th, while Lottie Woad improved to a 10‑under total after an impressive 65 on Saturday, placing her eight shots behind the leader.
Next week the LPGA’s late‑season Asian swing concludes with the Toto Japan Classic at Omitama outside Tokyo.
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