Jeeno Thitikul has unfinished business at the LPGA Maybank Championship in Malaysia. After a gut-wrenching playoff loss to Celine Boutier last year that tied for the second-longest in LPGA history, the talented Thai golfer came out swinging in round three, determined to rewrite the script.
And swing she did. Thitikul scorched the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club course on Saturday, firing a blistering 8-under 64 to surge into a three-way tie for the lead at 16-under par. She shares the top spot with Ruoning Yin, who carded a 66, and Haeran Ryu, who posted a 67.
For Thitikul, being in contention in Malaysia feels like a homecoming of sorts. “It’s been like a heaven week, to be honest,” she gushed after her stellar round. “KL is close to Thailand and I feel like it’s a second home here. All the fans cheering out here, it’s really nice and amazing to be here.”
The 20-year-old rising star also professed her love for the golf course, calling it “one of my favorites so far.” Her affinity for the layout was on full display as she peppered the pins and rolled in putt after putt, thrilling the galleries with her shotmaking prowess.
Chasing Pack Looks to Mount a Charge
But Thitikul won’t have the luxury of coasting to the title on Sunday. Maja Stark, who held the 36-hole lead, lurks just two shots back after a 70. Defending champion Boutier is also within striking distance at 12-under following a third-round 68.
“Obviously it’s good to have memories and stuff, but also know I have to focus on what I’m doing,” Boutier said, downplaying the pressure of being the reigning champ. “I feel like this course is pretty score-able so you have to go out there and be aggressive.”
American Marina Alex is tied with Boutier after a 71, while a pair of big names sit further down the leaderboard. Australia’s Hannah Green, a three-time winner already this season, carded a 68 to reach 8-under. Canada’s Brooke Henderson matched Green’s score and total.
Stage Set for Sunday Showdown
With Thitikul, Yin, and Ryu locked in a dead heat and a hungry pack of chasers nipping at their heels, the table is set for a Sunday shootout in steamy Kuala Lumpur. Can Thitikul shake off the ghosts of last year’s playoff heartache and claim her maiden Maybank title?
The budding superstar certainly has the game and the gumption to get it done. She’s already notched three LPGA victories in her young career and seems poised for a breakout on the global stage.
But as any golf fan knows, anything can happen on Sunday, especially with so many talented players within a handful of the lead. It promises to be a nail-biting, nerve-jangling finish befitting of one of the premier events on the LPGA calendar.
Will Thitikul be the one holding the trophy when the last putt drops? Or will Yin, Ryu, or one of the other contenders steal the spotlight? One thing’s for sure – with the level of golf on display this week in Malaysia, the fans are the real winners. Buckle up for a wild ride to the finish line.
