Mao Saigo of Japan
Japan’s rising star Mao Saigo surged to the top of the leaderboard after a stellar opening round at the US$3 million Maybank Championship. The 23-year-old LPGA rookie delivered a near-flawless nine-under-par 63 at the challenging Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, West Course, edging South Korea’s Ryu Hae Ran by one stroke to take the early lead.
Saigo’s performance included an impressive ten birdies, with a notable streak of four consecutive birdies starting from the fourth hole. A single bogey was the only blemish on her otherwise flawless round.
China’s Liu Rui Xin and Taiwan’s Hsu Wei Ling tied for third place after both posted strong rounds of 65, while South Korea’s Amy Yang and Japan’s Yuka Saso were among six players tied for fifth at six-under-par.
Reflecting on her round, Saigo credited her success to precise ball-striking and confident putting, describing the course as both challenging and enjoyable.
“I hit really good shots and made a lot of mid-length putts, which is why I played so well,” she said.
Saigo has already won six titles on the Japan LPGA Tour and has been impressive in her rookie LPGA season with six top-10 finishes.
“I’ve been playing really well, and that makes me happy. But I really want to win,” she added.
Defending champion Celine Boutier started her title defence with a solid 67, tying for 11th alongside Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul. World No. 2 Lilia Vu faced challenges, finishing the day with a 74, tying her for 70th place.
Mirabel Ting of Malaysia
Meanwhile, Malaysian amateur Mirabel Ting delivered a standout performance on the local challenge in the opening round, posting a solid five-under-par 67. The Florida State University junior recorded six birdies against a single bogey, securing a spot in joint 11th, just four shots behind Japan’s Mao Saigo.
Ting, who played confidently from the start, credited her patience and mental game for the early success, especially after carding four birdies on the front nine.
“I felt pretty comfortable starting off today and kept reminding myself to stay patient,” she said.
Though the putts stopped dropping after the 10th hole, she rallied with late birdies at the 14th and 18th to finish strong.
Meanwhile, fellow Malaysian Ashley Lau, an Epson Tour player and 2024 Olympian, finished with a one-over-par 73, tying for 66th place. Although Lau had four birdies, five bogeys marred her round, as she acknowledged a few wrong club choices but remained optimistic about improving in the following rounds.
Honorary tee off by Tan Sri Dato_ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa
Malaysian ASEAN qualifiers Durriyah Damian and Liyana Durisic faced tougher starts, posting rounds of 78 and 79, respectively, and finishing in 76th and 77th place. Despite the challenges, Durisic, with her brother as her caddie, expressed determination to review and learn from the opening round.
