Jeeno Thitikul shoots 64, in a 3-way tie for the top spot in LPGA Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Jeeno Thitikul is a long-shot at the LPGA Tour’s 2023 Maybank Championship. On Saturday he shot an 8-under 64 to leave him three ways out of the lead after three rounds and a chance to play. to win this tournament in full this year.
The Thai player had a three-round total of 16-under 200 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club course. He is tied with Ruoning Yin (66) and Haeran Ryu (67) going into Sunday’s final round.
Last year, Thitikul lost in the playoffs to Celine Boutier of France. The two players tied for first place at 21-under par, then played a nine-hole playoff that was won by the Frenchman. The playoff is tied for second longest in LPGA Tour history.
“It was like a heavenly church, to be honest,” said Thitikul on Saturday. “You know, like KL (Kuala Lumpur) it’s close to Thailand and I feel like it’s a second home here. All the happy fans here, it’s really fun and amazing to be here. And also the golf course, it’s one of my favorites so far.”
Second round leader Maja Stark shot a 70 and was in fourth place, two behind the leaders. Defending champion Boutier finished four strokes behind Thitikul after a 68 and tied for fifth with American Marina Alex (71).
“Obviously it’s good to have memories and stuff, but I also know that I have to focus on what I’m doing and I feel like this course has a lot of potential so you have to go out there and be aggressive,” Boutier said.
Hannah Green, who earned her third win of 2024 and sixth of her career last week in South Korea, shot a 68 and was 8-under, after eight strokes. She was tied with Brooke Henderson, who shot a 66 on Saturday.
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