KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesian professional Patricia Walanda Sinolungan and teenage Thai amateur Kanyarak Pongpithanon stormed to the first-round lead at the Maybank Championship 2026 Asean Qualifier, returning an excellent score of three-under 69 at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).
The 26-year-old Patricia, ranked among the top three female players in Indonesia, started and finished strongly at KLGCC's West Course, with three birdies on her front nine for a bogey-free three-under 33. Following three early bogeys on the back nine, she nailed a birdie and an eagle on the 16th and 17th holes respectively.
"I started solid, with three birdies on the front nine, putting well and giving myself good chances.
"It got a bit shaky on the second nine, but I bounced back to play my last three holes in three-under, including an eagle on the 17th. I hit a rescue with my tee shot, then hit a nine iron from about 116 metres that faded in perfectly," said Patricia.
Meanwhile, Kanyarak, who turned 16 this year, was also at her element, carding a flawless even-par front nine before making four birdies against a bogey on the home stretch to finish at three-under 69.
Occupying sole third place is Florence Yvon Bisera of the Philippines, who shot a two-under 70, which included a back nine that featured four birdies. In tied fourth place are Thai players Pimnipa Panthong and amateur Marisa Tojai, who carded one-under 71s.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian challenge was spearheaded by professional Liyana Durisic and amateur Foong Zi Yu, who shot one-over 73s to lie in joint 11th position.
The top five players following the conclusion of 36 holes will earn coveted invitations to the Maybank Championship at KLGCC from Oct 29 to Nov 1.
For the record, the Maybank Championship is a top-class golf tournament sanctioned by the LPGA, bringing together the best players at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC).
The Championship features a significant prize purse, a strong international field and an engaging spectator experience. The tournament continues to provide a platform for opportunity and achievement in South-East Asia. The Asean Qualifier was introduced in 2024 to provide a merit-based pathway for regional talent to compete in the tournament. The 2026 edition of the Maybank Championship will take place at KLGCC from October 29 to November 1, 2026.
Round 1 (Asean Qualifiers - The top 10)
69: Patricia Walanda Sinolungan (Indonesia), Kanyarak Pongpithanon (a - Thailand)
70: Florence Yvon Bisera (Philippines)
71: Pimnipa Panthong (Thailand); Marisa Tojai (a - Thailand)
72: Kan Bunnabodee (Thailand), Achiraya Sriwong (a - Thailand), Ngampan Chantana (a- Thailand), Kultida Pramphun (Thailand), Palinee Vimoonchart (a - Thailand)
(Note: Breakdown:78 players: Professionals — 42; Amateurs — 36; By Country: Thailand — 42; Malaysia — 23; Indonesia — 5; Philippines — 5; Singapore — 3)
