PETALING JAYA: Mirabel Ting will switch her focus to trying to make it into the LPGA Tour at her first attempt after a commendable outing at the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
The 20-year-old became the top Malaysian finisher for the second year running after a one-over 73 on the final day to finish with a four-day total of three-under 285.
Mirabel could have put up a below-par round if not for a double bogey on the 18th hole.
The Sarawak-born golfer had no regrets with how she carried herself in her first LPGA home tournament as a pro this week.
"I enjoyed my round today. Even when I'm not playing my best, I was still hitting my irons a lot better today. It's just that the putts didn't really drop. But that's golf, sometimes you just have a bad day and sometimes you have a good day," said Mirabel.
On the difference between playing as an amateur here last year and having turned pro this year, Mirabel said it doesn't really matter.
"Definitely there are a lot of expectations and I try to do well but overall, it's still the same because I'm still hitting the ball. I'm still playing the same golf course. It doesn't really change that much. It's just that my status has changed and that's all but I really enjoy it," said Mirabel, who will get ready for the Final Stage of LPGA Q-School from Dec 4-8 after this.
"I have Q-School coming up. I'll probably be flying to Bangkok for a week before I'm off to United States, just check in and do some off-season training with my coach.
"Getting the LPGA Tour card is my priority for 2026, for sure, and then I hope to be out there and keep playing, and playing and playing."
Just below Mirabel were two other Malaysians, Kelly Tan and Genevieve Ling on two-under 142.
Genevieve put up a two-over 74 while Kelly struggled en route to a three-over 75.
Kelly thanked the crowd for their support although she was sorry she could only post a lower score at the end of the day.
"I think I just tried to push it too hard today. It was a rough start and I was just really trying to climb back.
"I couldn't really catch any momentum; didn't give myself many looks, so kind of scrambling day.
"Malaysian fans are awesome and they're always cheering for us. I was really trying to do my best and hopefully they had something to cheer for," said the Olympian golfer.
