Rookie professional Mirabel Ting posted a solid five-under-par 67 to be the best-placed Malaysian in joint 11th place following the opening round of the Maybank Championship.
The youngest in the Malaysian lineup, Ting carded six birdies against one bogey at the West Course of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, trailing leader Hye-Jin Choi of South Korea by three shots after Choi’s superb eight-under-par 64.
Choi holds a one-shot advantage over Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh and Italy’s Benedetta Moresco, while seven more players sit a further stroke back on six-under-par.
“Birdieing the first hole was the start I needed, but I still told myself to be patient. That’s what I did the entire round and played really well,” said Ting, who made four of her six birdies on her opening nine.
Despite recently turning professional and gearing up for the Final Stage of LPGA Qualifying School in December, Ting continues to remind herself that the approach remains the same.
“There’s more pressure and expectations, but I try to put everything aside and not think too much. At the end of the day, amateur or professional, you’re still hitting the golf ball by yourself,” she noted.
The next-best Malaysian was domestic tour Order of Merit leader Liyana Durisic, who fired a four-under-par 68 to sit tied for 21st. Durisic recorded four birdies against a lone bogey, joining a group that includes defending champion Ruoning Yin and two-time winner this season Jeeno Thitikul.
Making her second appearance at the championship, Durisic said the experience she’s gained since turning professional has made a difference.
“Last year, I think it was just a rookie start. I was nervous. Didn't really have that much experience. Obviously, coming in with like three wins and stuff, it kind of just gives me a boost of confidence. Hey, you deserve to be here. You can play well, today just shows that,” she said.
The remaining Malaysians, Kelly Tan, Genevieve Ling, and Ashley Lau, each returned rounds of three-under-par 69 to sit tied for 32nd.
“It’s been a while, so it’s always nice to play in Malaysia and give the local fans something to cheer for. I’m excited for the week, and there are still three more rounds to go,” said Maybank ASEAN ambassador Tan.
Catch all the action and cheer on the local stars as the Maybank Championship continues from October 30 to November 2 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
