Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is currently the center of attention in the golf world as Hye-Jin Choi leads the Maybank Championship. She holds a notable four-shot advantage going into the final round, having posted a remarkable 5-under 67 on Saturday.
Choi’s Impressive Performance
Choi’s total score stands at 19-under 197 after three rounds at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. She initiated the day with a five-stroke lead, a position she has maintained since the tournament commenced.
At just 26 years old, Choi has already achieved 28 top-10 finishes in her career. Notably, she finished second at the U.S. Women’s Open in 2017 as a 17-year-old amateur. This is the first instance where she has led after the opening three rounds, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Choi’s Journey Ahead
As she prepares for the final round, Choi expressed her eagerness for a victory. “I’ve been waiting for this a long time,” she stated, reflecting her determination to win.
Challengers on the Leaderboard
- Liu Yan: The Chinese golfer shot a bogey-free 65 and sits in second place.
- Hannah Green: Following closely, Green is in third after shooting a 67, four strokes behind Choi.
- A Lim Kim: Kim made significant strides with a stunning 64, leaving her tied for fourth, six strokes off the lead. Notably, she made an eagle on the 18th hole.
- Jeeno Thitikul: The world number one also shot a 65, tying for fourth while highlighting the support from her fans in the gallery.
- Defending Champion Yin Ruoning: Shooting a 69, Yin is currently in seventh place, trailing Choi by seven strokes.
- Lydia Ko: The New Zealander matched with a score of 68, also tied for seventh.
- Brooke Henderson: Henderson trails with a score of 68, sitting 11 strokes behind the leader.
Upcoming Tournaments
Following this championship, the LPGA will conclude its five-week Asian swing at the Japan Classic in Shiga next week. As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on Choi to see if she can secure her first LPGA victory.
