Ruoning Yin wins third LPGA title of season as Jeeno Thitikul falls short again in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Beginning her final round in a three-way tie for the lead, Ruoning Yin shot a 7-under 65 on Sunday to win the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship in Malaysia by one stroke for her second title this month.

China’s Yin finished at 23-under 265 after a confident two-putt on the final hole held off Thai player Jeeno Thitikul (66), who was also runner-up in last year’s event after losing the second-highest playoff. long in the history of the LPA Tour.

Yin scored a dominant six-stroke victory at the LPGA Shanghai earlier this month and also won the 2024 Dow Championship in June, where she partnered Thitikul.

“I had such a good year last year that I was wondering if I can win again, and if I can’t, that kind of thing,” Yin said. “But I think I really learned that I just need to enjoy myself here and have fun, be happy, so that’s what I do.”

Haeran Ryu of South Korea shot 67 and was two shots behind Yin.

American Bailey Tardy, who tied the round’s best with a 65, and second-round leader Maja Stark (70) of Sweden were tied for fourth at 16-under 272.

Hannah Green, who earned her third win of 2024 and sixth of her career last week in South Korea, also shot 65 to finish sixth at 15-under 273. She was tied with American Marina Alex (69), Hsu Wei-Ling Hsu. (68) and Hye-Jin Choi (66).

Defending champion Celine Boutier of France was 11 shots behind Yin after a 72 and was tied for 12th.