KUALA LUMPUR: Precision proved more powerful than distance as Japan’s Miyu Yamashita held off China’s long-hitting Yan Liu to become the first back-to-back champion in Maybank Championship history at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) on Sunday.
The world No. 4 closed with a composed four-under-par 68 on the West Course to finish at 22-under 266, securing the coveted Tiger Trophy and the US$450,000 (RM1.96 million) winner’s purse from the US$3 million LPGA Tour event.
The victory also made the 25-year-old the fastest Japanese golfer to reach five LPGA Tour titles.
But it was far from a comfortable afternoon for Yamashita, who faced relentless pressure from Liu, whose power off the tee and aggressive approach kept the defending champion on her toes.
“Today was an especially tough round for me,” Yamashita said.
“Yan Liu hits the ball with so much power and distance. She was making birdies early and hitting aggressive shots. I felt like I couldn’t let my guard down for a single moment until the final putt dropped on the 18th.”
Liu, who lit up Saturday’s third round with a tournament-best nine-under 63, continued to challenge the Japanese with a matching 68 on Sunday.
The Chinese finished runner-up at 20-under 268 to collect US$273,806 (RM1.19 million), but could not prevent Yamashita from completing a historic title defence.
France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard finished tied for third at 19-under 269 after a final-round 69, earning US$176,140 (RM768,000).
Australia’s Robyn Choi secured fifth place at 17-under 271 after signing for a three-under 69, worth US$123,674 (RM539,000).
South Korea’s former major champion Kim A Lim closed with a four-under 68 to finish seventh at 15-under 273 and take home US$84,698 (RM369,000).
Yamashita’s win was her third LPGA Tour title of the season, following victories at the Meijer LPGA Classic and CPKC Women’s Open.