Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Japan’s Miyu Yamashita emerged victorious at the US$3 million Maybank Championship following a tense play-off against Australian Hannah Green and Korean Choi Hye-jin.

Yamashita, competing in her rookie season on the LPGA Tour, closed with a flawless seven-under-par 65 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) to finish on 18-under 270, joining Green (68) and Choi (73) in the play-off.

Choi, who began the day with a four-shot lead, missed a birdie putt on the 18th green in regulation play that would have sealed her first LPGA win. Rain and lightning twice halted play, extending the suspense before Yamashita clinched victory with a birdie on the first play-off hole to claim the Tiger Trophy, her second LPGA Tour title of the season after winning the AIG Women’s Open in August.

“It’s my first time (play-off) on the LPGA Tour, so I was really nervous. In every tournament, I try to aim for a win, and I’m very happy to have won for the second time this season. As the year comes to an end, I’m truly encouraged by the support from my manager, my family and all my sponsors – their support means so much to me,” said Yamashita.

Throughout the week, the Maybank Championship once again showed that progress in the game is driven by shared ambition and collaboration, capturing Maybank’s intent to harness collective power for growth within and beyond golf.

World number one Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand delivered a four-under 68 on Sunday to finish tied fourth at 17-under-par 271, securing her third consecutive top-five at KLGCC. Defending champion Yin Ruoning of China closed at 14-under 274 after a final round of 70, underscoring her reputation as one of the most consistent players on the LPGA Tour.

The championship featured standout golf throughout the week, marked by birdie streaks, clutch recoveries and record-setting play. Highlights included a composed opening 67 from Malaysian Mirabel Ting, whose fearless play drew some of the loudest cheers on home soil. Choi’s record-breaking pace, Green’s final-round charge, Thitikul’s late push and Maybank ambassador Kelly Tan’s surge on Saturday added to a memorable week of world-class competition.

For Malaysia, the championship was a proud milestone that showcased the nation’s growing strength in women’s golf. Ting led the local contingent, finishing tied 49th at three-under 285 with rounds of 67, 75, 70 and 73. Her finish earned her a place in an Epson Tour event, a Maybank initiative that rewards the highest-finishing regional invitee with a direct pathway towards LPGA qualification.

Tan followed in tied 56th on two-under 286, highlighted by a 68 on Saturday, while Genevieve Ling matched that position with steady play across four days. Ashley Lau and Liyana Durisic finished at two-over and four-over respectively.

The field also featured five ASEAN qualifiers whose performances reflected the tournament’s role as a springboard for regional talent.

Among the ASEAN invitees, Thailand’s Cholcheva Wongras emerged as the top finisher at tied 64th on even-par 288. Amateur compatriots Namo Luangnitikul and Achiraya Sriwong finished tied 67th (+1) and tied 71st (+3) respectively, after steady showings that underlined the region’s growing depth. Kan Bunnabodee and amateur Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul, winner of this year’s Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Junior Girls title, rounded out the group, gaining valuable experience competing alongside the LPGA’s best.

Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Maybank, said: “At Maybank, we believe in the strength of ‘Harnessing Collective Power’, and the Maybank Championship is the embodiment of that belief. This year, we have been privileged to see golf at the highest level from our 2025 champion, Miyu Yamashita. Your skill and focus have been a thrill to watch, and I congratulate you on a well-deserved victory.

“The championship brought together world-class players, regional talents and dedicated partners in a true collective effort to elevate the game and the region. I am deeply grateful for the commitment and collaboration that made this week such a success.”