Choi Extends Lead to Five Shots at LPGA Malaysia Tournament

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has become the center of attention as Hye-Jin Choi extends her lead to five shots in the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship. Choi delivered an impressive performance with a 6-under 66 during her second round, holding a 36-hole total of 14-under 130 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

Choi’s Remarkable Journey

Starting the day with a one-stroke lead, Choi hit a milestone in her career by leading after the first two rounds for the first time. At just 26 years old, the South Korean golfer has yet to secure a win on the LPGA Tour but boasts an impressive record of 28 top-10 finishes. Notably, she finished second at the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open as a 17-year-old amateur.

Resilience Despite Early Setbacks

Choi encountered a bogey on her first hole but focused on maintaining her composure. “I tried to keep the faith and play steady,” she remarked. Her strategy clearly paid off, as she managed to score multiple birdies throughout the round, showcasing her skills in both driving and putting.

Competitors on the Rise

Defending champion Yin Ruoning demonstrated her prowess by shooting a 67, moving up 19 places to secure second position. She shares this spot with Hannah Green, a member of the winning Australian team at the recent International Crown, who recorded a 69 on Friday. Green expressed her fondness for Malaysia, calling it “almost like my home event” due to its proximity to Perth, Australia.

Chasing the Leader

• Lydia Ko, the New Zealander and World No. 1, finished the day with a score of 70, leaving her six strokes behind Choi.
• Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ont., also shot a consecutive 70, placing her 10 strokes off the lead.
• Jeeno Thitikul, another top contender, scored a 70, putting her eight shots behind the leader.

Thitikul has already made headlines this season as the only multiple winner on the LPGA Tour, with victories including the Mizuho Americas Open in May. With the final Asian tournament, the Japan Classic, approaching next week, the competition is expected to intensify.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Choi and her capability to maintain this impressive lead. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether she can claim her first LPGA Tour title.