KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champion Miyu Yamashita has set up an intriguing final round fight in the Maybank Championship today after finishing the third round with a five-under 67 at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
The Japanese world No. 4 will take a two-shot lead after moving to 18-under 198 after 54 holes, holding off China’s Yan Liu and France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, who shared second on 16-under 200.
Yamashita, who opened with rounds of 65 and 66, showed steady composure on the West Course to only drop one shot against six birdies.
A round of six-under or better today will see the winner break the tournament’s 72-hole record of 23-under 265, set by Yin Ruoning of China two years ago.
“It was a very nice round today as well.
“I had a few tricky situations during the round but I managed to get through them and finish without dropping a shot, so I’m really pleased with that,” said Yamashita, who won the title last year after prevailing in a three-way playoff.
The 24-year-old is chasing to become the first to win consecutive Maybank Championship titles and she said local support had spurred her title defence.
“Winning a title is something pretty special itself, but I really like the course and I’ve been getting so much support from the fans here in Malaysia, so I’ll do my best tomorrow.
Her approach to staying calm after an errant shot was straightforward.
“I try not to overthink things and just keep it simple,” she said.
China’s Yan Liu will be out to play spoiler today though. Her putter was on fire as she fired a nine-under 63.
Yan Liu carded nine birdies, dropped two shots, and capped her round by holing out from 84 yards for an eagle on the par-five 18th.
She finished one stroke shy of the course record set by Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul in 2023.
“What a finish and what a day for me.
“I was caught between clubs — my 58, 60 or 54-degree — but I chose the full swing. My caddie gave me complete confidence, so I just went for it.”
Yan Liu said she was surprised to learn her score at the end of the round.
“Even when I finished, I didn’t know what score I had shot,” Yan Liu said.
“I asked my caddie, ‘What did I shoot today?’ He said, ‘Nine-under.’ I was stunned. I really enjoyed today and stayed focused. My swing was in a very good position and my putting was on fire.”
Roussin-Bouchard remained in contention after posting a five-under 67, recovering from an early bogey with three straight birdies.
The Frenchwoman, who opened with rounds of 64 and 69, said she handled the heat well.
“I can definitely feel the heat. There was a bit more action on my end with a few more bogeys but I don’t mind that if it means making more birdies,” she said.
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