The Maybank Championship continues to heat up at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, with Swedish golfer Maja Stark securing a one-shot lead after an impressive second round.
Shooting a second consecutive 66, Stark, a seasoned LPGA Tour player, topped the leaderboard with a strong 12-under par, showcasing her steady play and proficient putting skills. Known for her consistency, Stark carded four consecutive birdies on holes 10 through 13, placing her as the frontrunner heading into the weekend.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Ashley Lau thrilled local fans by making a significant leap up the leaderboard, jumping 27 places to tie for 39th. Lau, who recently debuted in the Olympics, shot a four-under 68 in the second round. Her play was highlighted by six birdies and top-tier accuracy—hitting all 14 fairways and 16 out of 18 greens in regulation, coupled with 32 putts. Lau’s performance has lifted her within nine strokes of Stark, offering a promising outlook as she eyes continued success on the international stage.
Malaysia’s leading amateur, Mirabel Ting, started strong with a five-under 67 on Thursday, yet faced challenges on Friday, slipping to a tie for 44th after a three-over 75 in tougher conditions. Ting remained focused on the bigger picture, saying, “It’s about enjoying the game and having fun.” Her perspective underlines the spirit of resilience shared by many at the Championship, including Indonesia’s Ida Ayu Melati and Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, who also continue to compete among the top ASEAN players.
The ASEAN standout so far is Philippine golfer Bianca Pagdanganan, who climbed into the top 10 with an impressive six-under 66. As a sponsor invite, Pagdanganan expressed her gratitude for the chance to compete on regional soil, underscoring the support Maybank provides for ASEAN golfers.
In an LPGA event with a high-profile field, four players, including Marina Alex, Narin An, Wei-Ling Hsu, and Haeran Ryu, are tied in second place at 11-under, just one shot shy of Stark. Alex posted the lowest round of the tournament so far, carding a bogey-free 64. As the competition intensifies, fans can expect a thrilling weekend finish as top golfers vie for the coveted Tiger Trophy.
For fans, the Maybank Championship promises a well-rounded experience, with activities in the Maybank Village that showcase regional culture, community connection, and a vibrant spectator atmosphere. Ticket options are available for purchase, with special discounts for Maybank cardholders.
Credit Photo : Maybank
