Miyu means business

Hot shot: Japan’s Miyu Yamashita in action during the second round of the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The scorching weather tested the field but defending champion Miyu Yamashita passed with flying colours with a bogey-free round to open a two-shot lead at the half-way stage of the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).

The world No. 4 from Japan carded a superb six-under 66 to add to her opening 65, moving to 13-under 131.

Yamashita was happy that she maintained her composure with precise iron play and effective scoring on the par-fives.

“My ball striking was pretty consistent today and I’ve taken advantage of the par-fives.

“I was able to give myself some good birdie opportunities with my approach shots.

“Overall, I think I played another really solid round,” said Yamashita, who has won four titles on the LPGA Tour this year.

Yamashita prevailed after a three-way playoff to win the championship at KLGCC last year.

“I’ve been playing some really good rounds this year especially. My game is in better shape than last year, so my swing feels really good, too,” she added.

But hot on her heels are chasing pair Pauline Roussin-Bouchard from France and Julia Lopez Ramirez from Spain.

The duo shared second place on 11-under 133, two shots behind the leader.

Roussin-Bouchard, who led on Thursday, continued her remarkable run with a three-under 69 to follow her opening 64, remaining bogey-free after 36 holes.

Ramirez recovered from a double bogey to produce a six-under 66 to follow her opening 67.

The Spaniard, who drew on her experience playing at the recent Solheim Cup, said competing on the team event’s big stage had strengthened her confidence.

“Playing at the Cup had given me the mindset that if I can play anywhere,” said Ramirez, who also complimented the local spectators for showing warm support.

“I don’t have family out here (Malaysia), so having the local fans adopt me and cheer me on has made this so much fun.

“It’s quite fun to play with them and having the support.

“I’m driving it really well. Being in the fairways and hitting irons really well kind of makes the score out here. It’s also important to be patient with the weather. It can be quite hot,” said the Spaniard.