Mirabel Ting was the best-placed Malaysian after the third round of the US$3 million Maybank Championship, carding a three-under-par 69 to move to four-under 212 and tie for 43rd at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) on Saturday.
Natasha Andrea Oon
Natasha Oon was the next-best Malaysian, returning a two-under 70 for a three-round total of one-under 215, leaving her tied for 58th.
Liyana Durisic endured a difficult day, carding a four-over 76 to slip to even-par 216 in 61st place, while Kelly Tan carded a 74 for a four-over 220 total, tying for 73rd.
Genevieve Ling returned a 75 to finish the day at nine-over 225, in 76th place. After a shaky start with four bogeys, she settled on the inward nine, playing steady golf without dropping another shot.
Ting was pleased with her improved iron play but felt her putting could have been better. Despite making some putts, she also had a couple of three-putts, which cost her valuable shots.
“I was hitting the ball pretty well today. There was a little bit of work off the tee, but I definitely saw some improvement in my iron shots,” said Ting.
“Normally, the three-putts haven’t been happening to me in quite a bit of time, but today there were a lot of mistakes in putting.”
With one round remaining, Ting plans to stay patient, build on her improved iron play, and aim to find more fairways.
Oon, meanwhile, said her ball-striking had been good throughout the round, though her putting initially frustrated her. A change of approach on the back nine helped her regain her rhythm.
“My caddie told me I needed to be more athletic, not more technical. I was just too technical, so I let my body react instead of trying to manipulate everything,” she explained.
Oon hopes to put all parts of her game together in Sunday’s final round, adding that her performances this week have shown what she is capable of.
Liyana Durisic
For Durisic, it was a challenging day in the heat, with issues with ball-striking and decision-making affecting her round. However, two birdies towards the end of her front nine helped her finish on a more positive note.
She admitted that the heat had taken its toll, but remained determined to do her best in the final round.
“I wouldn’t say I psyched myself out. It was more so I was trying to control the outcome,” said Durisic.
“It’s still anybody’s game out there tomorrow. I’m just going to go out there and try my best. No targets, just go out there and have fun.”
Tan also had to work her way back into the round after a difficult start. She gradually found her rhythm on the back nine, with improved shot-making and a helpful putter, allowing her to pick up a few birdies.
Kelly Tan
Despite the challenges, Tan said she had been pleasantly surprised by her performance this week, especially given that she had not practised or competed regularly this year.
“I feel like I’m playing above my own expectations. I honestly haven’t practised that much this year, or even been in tournament mode,” she said.
Tan also reflected on the support she had received at home, saying she would miss playing in front of Malaysian fans, the competitive atmosphere, and the friendships formed during the week.
