Ruoning Yin Roars the loudest to win coveted Tiger Trophy at Maybank Championship 2024

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Ruoning Yin Roars the loudest to win coveted Tiger Trophy at Maybank Championship 2024

Mirabel Ting and Ashley Lau unleashed their potential on home soil

KUALA LUMPUR - October 27, 2024 - Following a week of world-class golf and memorable moments, the Maybank Championship sanctioned by the LPGA came to a thrilling conclusion today with Ruoning Yin claiming her fifth LPGA Tour title at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC).

Ruoning Yin - Winner of Maybank Championship 2024

It was a fitting finale to the second edition of the USD 3 million LPGA event, which forms the third stop of the tour's late-season Asian swing and is the largest ladies prize purse in the region. It was a gripping final round when Yin went toe-to-toe with good friend Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand and South Korean Haeran Ryu before closing out the tournament with a one-stroke victory on the West Course of KLGCC.

The 22-year-old from China shot a last day seven-under-par 65 to finish on 265 and collect the USD 450,000 first prize payout. This was Yin's second LPGA win on the tour's Asian Swing this year after securing the Buick LPGA Shanghai championship title two weeks ago. Thitikul carded a final round six-under 66 for a 266 total, while Haeran Ryu signed off with a five-under 67 and was one stroke back on 267.

As anticipated, the tournament excelled in both its calibre of golf and sportsmanship that was on showcase throughout the week.

Yin was a picture of consistency and poise on the West Course on what turned to be a frantic final day, breaking away from her closest rival and flight-mates at the 6^th hole. With an impressive four rounds of 67, 67, 66 and 65, it was the least Yin deserved at one of the LPGA's most popular events on the schedule.

Yin, who is living the dream right now, with three wins on the LPGA Tour this year, said: "I would say I learned a lot from early this year because I was stressed. I had such a great year last year that 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, and so that's what I do."

On being pushed all the way by her good friends Jeeno Thitikul and Haeran Ryu, Yin added: "Yes, I was nervous. I really, really appreciated Haeran and Jeeno. They bring the best out of me. It was just another great day on the course and another great day with my friends."

Jeeno, commenting on her second successive runner-up finish in the tournament, said: "It's all that I could do, you know. I gave 100% out there. On the back nine, towards the end, I really gave it all I had. But in another way, I think it's just a good final round for me as well. I mean, Ronni did a really incredible job. I think for the past three days she didn't have a bogey at all."

About playing with her friend in the last flight, she added: "I think having her in the final group, I was like relaxed, having someone that knows you well out there. But in another way, it's just like we were doing our job and then she did hers better than us-but I did my best. That's all you can do out there."

Jeeno also mentioned the fans and said: "It was crazy. I think it's a lot more (fans) than last year. That's what we love to see. Not just me, but all of us on the tour - we love to see all the fans come out, especially the kids. You know, we show up here and want to try and inspire them."

Mirabel said: "I think overall I did well this week, handling the pressure and the crowd. I wasn't expecting to actually be able to handle the pressure like that. But I handled it pretty well. I also learned a lot this week, especially finally getting to play my first LPGA event. So, it was really a good week."

Ashley said about playing with Mirabel in the same flight: "Yeah, I think it was great we were paired together. There were a lot of crowds out there, and I was just playing my game - I'm sure she was playing her game too. I don't think there is a need to compare us. I'm glad she played great, so, yeah, I think this is good exposure for the both of us."

With the win, Yin became the second player to win two Asian Swing tournaments, following in the footsteps of the great Feng Shanshan.

This year's Maybank Championship also marked the best ever showing of Malaysians in women's golf. Amateur player Mirabel Ting finished in a tie for 12^th place on 276 and Epson Tour star Ashley Lau was joint 22^nd, another two shots adrift on 278. This was a memorable performance by the two Malaysians, who also saw Liyana Durisic shoot a final round three-under 69 to finish on 305, and Durriyah Damian card a four-over 76 for a 309 total.

The packed galleries were thrilled by the on-course exploits of rising amateur talent Mirabel, who outshone her professional compatriots to claim best Malaysian honours. The 19-year-old showed great skill and maturity to shoot rounds of 67, 75, 64 and 70, finishing ahead of big names such as Major Championship winners Yuka Saso, Amy Yang, Ayaka Furue, Jennifer Kupcho, Ashleigh Buhai and Round 1 leader, Mao Saigo. Ting also finished level with defending champion, Celine Boutier of France.

Bianca Pagdanganan of the Philippines also flew the ASEAN flag with pride, as she closed with a two-under 70 and an 11-under 277 total in a tie for 18^th place.

Maybank President and Group CEO, Dato' Khairussaleh Ramli, said: "We have been privileged to witness golf at its absolute finest in this year's Maybank Championship, not only by our deserving champion, Ruoning Yin, but by the other LPGA stars and regional talents here at KLGCC.

"From pinpoint, powerful drives to subtle chips and long, breaking putts, the players have really put on a fabulous show for us this year, not the least being our very own rising amateur, Mirabel Ting, who finished as the best-placed Malaysian.

"I am also proud to say that this year's Maybank Championship witnessed an impressive turnout of more spectators than last year over four days. It is our fervent hope that the championship will inspire more young talents to pick up this beautiful game.

"Maybank, through our humanising mission, has always strived to be a growth driver, delivering social and economic benefits for the country, and this tournament exemplifies that ambition."

Mao Saigo of Japan and Swede Maja Stark, who led after the first and second rounds, respectively, finished 30^th and 14^th on the leaderboard.

One of Malaysia's leading sporting events, the Maybank Championship, was held from October 24-27 at KLGCC, featuring a field of 78 players, two of whom withdrew through injury. The Championship embodies Maybank's unwavering commitment to the world of golf while empowering communities across ASEAN.

This year's Maybank Championship proved to be a celebration of ambition and inclusivity, while showcasing the limitless potential of athletes and engaging the community. Through this platform, Maybank aims to create experiences that go far beyond the golf course, offering spectators a chance to feel connected to the excitement and camaraderie of the game.

For more information on the Maybank Championship, visit: https://www.maybank.com/golf

For the complete scoreboard, visit: https://www.lpga.com/tournaments/maybank-championship/leaderboard.

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