Miyu Yamashita has cemented her status as the favorite to defend her title at the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship, carrying a two-stroke lead into Sunday’s final round at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. The 2025 Women’s British Open winner carded a five-under 67 on Saturday, navigating tricky situations with composure to finish without dropping a shot. Her consistent performance brings her 54-hole total to 198, a staggering 18-under par that places her firmly in control of the event.
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While Yamashita maintained her composure, China’s Yan Liu stole the spotlight with the round of the day. Liu fired a blistering 63, featuring an eagle, nine birdies, and just two bogeys, to move into a tie for second place. Her aggressive play contrasts with the steady approach of Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, who shot a 67 to level with Liu. Both players are now chasing the leader, with Liu expressing that she simply “enjoyed” her performance and aims to maintain a steady mindset for the crucial final 18 holes.
For fans watching from the UK, the final round begins at 1:30 am Sunday on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Mix. The race for the lead has tightened significantly, with the gap between first and second place narrowing to just two strokes. As the field battles through the challenging Malaysian conditions, Yamashita’s experience and current form suggest she is poised to secure a maiden title defense, though Liu’s momentum makes this a contest to watch closely.
Source: Sky Sports
