KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul will headline a glittering cast of champions at the Maybank Championship, which returns to the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) from Oct 30-Nov 2.
The US$3 million (RM12.61 million) showpiece has attracted no fewer than 18 winners from this year’s LPGA Tour.
Jeeno is chasing redemption after coming agonisingly close in the past two editions.
She lost by a single stroke to China‘s Yin Ruo Ning last year and was denied by France’s Celine Boutier in a marathon nine-hole playoff in 2023.
Both Ruo Ning and Boutier will be back in Kuala Lumpur for another shot to hoist the iconic Tiger Trophy.
Being the world No. 1, the Thai ace admitted she cannot avoid the weight of expectation but views it as part of her journey, insisting she is determined not to let golf alone define her identity.
“I don’t think you can escape, I don’t think you can hide. Definitely the expectations are gonna be there, either my expectations or outer expectations,” said Jeeno.
“It’s just another challenge in life, and you go through it. But overall, if you can define yourself, not let golf define you, that’s good enough.”
Also confirmed is Australia’s Grace Kim, who captured her first Major at the Evian Championship in July after a dramatic playoff win over Jeeno.
Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, fresh from her breakthrough at the Women British’s Open, will make her Maybank Championship debut, as will England’s 20-year-old sensation Lottie Woad, who stunned the field by winning the Scottish Open in her very first professional start.
Japan’s Iwai twins, Akie and Chisato, both who secured breakthrough victories this season, will add further intrigue to the field alongside compatriot Rio Takeda,
American Angel Yin, and South Korea‘s Kim A Lim.
Adding star power is Lydia Ko of New Zealand, the reigning Olympic gold medalist and a World Golf Hall of Famer.
With 23 LPGA Tour victories, Lydia remains one of the game’s most formidable names at just 28.The Maybank Championship will also welcome five emerging Thai talents who booked their tickets via the Asean Qualifier in August.
Leading the contingent is rising amateur Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul, joined by compatriots Achiraya Sriwong, Namo Luangnitikul, Cholcheva Wongras and Kan Bunnabodee.
Malaysia will be represented by Mirabel Ting, Ashley Lau, Kelly Tan, Liyana Durisic and Genevieve Ling.
Mirabel and Ashley stole the limelight last year with rousing performances, finishing tied 12th and tied 22nd respectively, and will again carry the nation’s hopes before the home crowd.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
