22-year-old world number four, Ruoning Yin sealed a one-shot victory at the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship in Malaysia marking her second tournament win in three weeks and the fifth LPGA Tour title of her career.
The final round was closely fought between Yin, Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul and South Korea’s Haerun Ryu. At the 16-under par they shared the lead but at the last, Yin’s seventh birdie of the round – also her 25th birdie of the week – sealed her victory as she ended with an incredible final-round 65.
“I was pretty nervous,” Yin said. “I really, really appreciated Haeran and Jeeno. They bring the best out of me. Just another great day on the course and another great day with my friends.”
After the last round, the Chinese victor spoke on her improved mental strength when asked about the key factor behind her win.
“I would say my mental game. I would say I learn a lot from early this year because it was pretty stressful.
“I had such a great year last year, I was wondering if I can win again, what if I can’t, such things. But I think I just really learned that I just need to enjoy myself out here and have fun, be happy, so that’s what I do.”
On Saturday, Thailand’s Thitikul had the best round of the day, ending with a 64. But the Thai player finished the event second to Yin, after a costly bogey at the par-4 sixth.
“I mean, it’s all I can do, you know. I did give 100% out there,” 21-year-old Thitikul said. “You know, in the back nine towards the end I really, really gave it everything.
“But, in another way, I think it’s just a good practicing final round for me as well. I mean, Ronni did a really incredible job. I think for the past three days she doesn’t have any bogey at all. That’s why we give it all to her.”
South Korea’s Ryu came in third place, while Sweden’s Maja Stark and U.S.A’s Bailey Tardy tied for fourth on 16 under.
What is the next event?
The next event on the LPGA Tour schedule is the TOTO Japan Classic. It will take place between October 31 – November 3 at the Seta Golf Course in Japan.