Defending champion Miyu Yamashita has a two-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round of the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship after shooting a five-under 67 on Saturday.
The 2025 Women’s British Open Festival winner and second-round leader had a 54-hole total of 198 to go 18 under par overall at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club course.
“It was a very nice round today as well,” Yamashita said. “I had a few tricky situations during the round, but I managed to get through them and finish without a shot, so I’m really happy with that.
China’s Yan Liu had the round of the day on Saturday, a 63 that included an eagle, nine birdies and two bogeys, to move into a tie for second place. Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, who led after the first round and shot a 67, was tied with Yan, who aims to maintain a consistent mindset heading into the final round.
I just really enjoyed it today,” said the Chinese player. “I think my swing is in really good position and my putting (was) on fire today. Yes, very happy for my shooter and hopefully tomorrow will be (the same).
“One shot at a time, just live in the present.”
Yamashita won the Malaysian Tour last year after a three-way play-off and is looking to defend a title for the first time in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
“Of course winning a title is something pretty special in itself, but I really like the course and I’ve got so much support from the fans here in Malaysia, so I’ll do my best here tomorrow,” she added.
Last week, Yuri Yoshida won the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea, becoming the fourth Japanese player this season to win on the LPGA Tour, joining Yamashita, Shiho Kuwaki and Yuna Nishimura. Yoshida shot a 66 on Saturday to finish 11th overall.
England’s top two players will need a big boost on Sunday to hope to compete. Charley Hull’s 72 leaves her on nine under and tied for 18th, with Lottie Woad’s impressive 65 on Saturday taking her over her compatriot at 10-under par – some eight shots off the lead.
Next week, the LPGA’s four-week, late-season Asian swing concludes with the Toto Japan Classic at Omitama outside Tokyo.
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