Even with minor setbacks, Liyana Durisic remains the undisputed home favorite at the LPGA Maybank Championship on home soil: The 25-year-old leads the Malaysian field at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club and is positioned in a strong tie for 28th place after the second round. Despite a fluctuating Friday round, she showed strong nerves and keeps the hopes of the home fans high.
Durisic, who had delivered a bogey-free 67 in the previous round, had to battle a bit more yesterday. Four birdies were offset by three bogeys and a bitter double-bogey on the 14th, resulting in a 1-over 73. Her ball-striking wasn't quite as precise as on the first day, but Durisic was content to have limited the damage, aside from the outlier – true golfer's mentality. A spicy detail: Her brother and regular caddie, Danial Aizat, was absent due to an emergency; a friend stepped in at short notice instead.
Fighting Spirit and Home Advantage
With a total of 4-under 140, Liyana Durisic remains ahead of her compatriots. Mirabel Ting posted a strong 4-under 68 yesterday and is tied for 43rd at 1-under 143, while Natasha Oon (T60, 1-over 145), Kelly Tan (T65, 2-over 146), and Genevieve Ling (T75, 6-over 150) still need to make up some ground.
Hot on the Heels of the Defending Champion
Meanwhile, Miyu Yamashita reigns atop the leaderboard. The defending champion played a flawless 66, securing a two-shot lead at 13-under 131. However, the tournament is still young, and the second half of the 36 holes promises high tension. Liyana Durisic is eager to defend her position and perhaps even climb higher.
