Lydia Ko has found some momentum at the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship in Malaysia, carding a two-under 70 on Saturday, while Japan’s Miyu Yamashita takes a two-shot lead into the final round.
The New Zealander moved to two-over 218 through 54 holes at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, improving her position to a share of 66th.
It was Ko’s best round of the week after opening rounds of 74 and 74 on the West Course.
Ko Finds Her Best Round
Ko had struggled to get going on Thursday and Friday, sitting tied 71st after the second round.
The third-round 70 was a step in the right direction — but on a week when low scoring is the norm, it leaves the 29-year-old 20 shots adrift of the lead.
A strong Sunday would still allow the Kiwi to climb the leaderboard and finish her week in Malaysia on a positive note.
Yamashita Sets The Pace
World No.4 Miyu Yamashita leads at 18-under 198 after rounds of 65, 66 and 67.
China’s Yan Liu produced the round of the day, a nine-under 63, to share second at 16-under 200 with France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard.
Thai amateur Marisa Tojai is tied fourth at 14-under after a third-round 65.
Robyn Choi Leads The Australians
Australia’s Robyn Choi is firmly in contention, sharing fourth at 14-under 202 after a third-round 66, four shots behind Yamashita.
Karis Davidson is tied 18th at nine-under, Cassie Porter is a share of 25th at eight-under, and Hannah Green climbed to tied 40th at five-under with a third-round 66.
All To Play For On Sunday
Yamashita will be the one to catch when the final round gets under way on Sunday.
For Ko, the goal is simpler — build on Saturday and finish strong.
| Player | Position | Overall | Round 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miyu Yamashita | 1st | −18 | 67 |
| Yan Liu | T2 | −16 | 63 |
| Pauline Roussin-Bouchard | T2 | −16 | 67 |
| Robyn Choi | T4 | −14 | 66 |
| Marisa Tojai (a) | T4 | −14 | 65 |
| Lydia Ko | T66 | +2 | 70 |
