Maybank Championship: Miyu Yamashita Leads as Charley Hull Fades in Malaysia

Miyu Yamashita Claims the Maybank Championship Lead as Charley Hull Fades in Kuala Lumpur

Charley Hull played on Friday at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia, carding a 69 after bogeying two of her final three holes to sit tied for fifth place at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. Miyu Yamashita capitalized on the shifting conditions by posting a 6-under 66 to reach 13-under 131, securing a two-stroke advantage heading into the weekend.

The Cost of Three Bogeys in the Malaysian Humidity

Hull opened her second round aggressively, making five birdies in her opening six holes to seize the tournament lead. Mistakes on two of her final three holes dropped her into a tie for fifth place at 9-under par alongside Perrine Delacour. The English player previously opened the tournament with a 6-under 66 on the West Course, hitting 12 of 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens in regulation, as detailed by LPGA.com. Reflecting on her preparation, Hull noted that four weeks away from regular competition included heavy sponsor obligations rather than a true break, telling LPGA.com that her game remained in a strong position for the end of the season.

Miyu Yamashita and the Chasing Field

While Hull faltered down the stretch, world number four and defending champion Yamashita navigated the course with steady play. Yamashita told Sky Sports that her game and swing feel better than last year, pointing to a consistent season that supports her 13-under total. Julia Lopez Ramirez matched Yamashita’s second-round score of 66 by collecting birdies on three of her final four holes to reach 11-under par, sharing second place. Lopez Ramirez emphasized the physical demands of the tournament, telling Yahoo Sports that players must keep their minds cool and bodies hydrated in the Malaysian heat. Meanwhile, A Lim Kim posted the low round of the day with a 64 to climb into fourth place at 10-under, three shots behind the leader.

Saturday Tee Times and Weekend Outlook

The third round on Saturday groups the tournament leaders on the West Course as the LPGA Tour’s Asian swing nears its conclusion ahead of next week’s Toto Japan Classic. Yamashita tees off in the final group alongside Lopez Ramirez and Pauline Roussin-Bouchard. Hull begins her third round at 9:05 AM local time alongside Sophia Schubert and Carlota Ciganda, needing a low score to climb back into contention before Sunday’s final round.

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