MIYU YAMASHITA MAKES HISTORY WITH BACK-TO-BACK MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY IN KUALA LUMPUR

Japan's Miyu Yamashita made history at the Maybank Championship 2026, becoming the tournament's first-ever back-to-back champion after delivering an impressive performance at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC).

The 25-year-old secured her second consecutive Tiger Trophy with a winning total of 22-under-par 266, following rounds of 65, 66, 67 and 68 on the challenging West Course. Her two-stroke victory over China's Yan Liu also marked her fifth career win on the LPGA Tour.

Maintaining remarkable consistency throughout the four-day tournament, Yamashita broke 70 in every round and took the lead after the second round. She entered the final day with a two-shot advantage and closed with a four-under-par 68 to secure the title. Her victory earned her USD450,000 from the tournament's USD3 million prize purse and 500 Race to CME Globe points, moving her to second in the season standings.

China's Yan Liu finished runner-up at 20-under-par after a closing round of 68, achieving her career-best result on the LPGA Tour. Thailand's amateur sensation Marisa Tojai and France's Pauline Roussin-Bouchard shared third place at 19-under-par, while Australia's Robyn Choi finished fifth. Tojai also emerged as the leading ASEAN Qualifier, recording the highest finish by an ASEAN Qualifier in the tournament's history.

The 2026 championship attracted a strong international field, including six of the top 10 players in the Race to CME Globe rankings, former champions Céline Boutier and Ruoning Yin, as well as reigning Olympic champion Lydia Ko. The competition showcased the depth of talent in women's professional golf and the growing strength of the LPGA Tour's Asian swing.

Malaysia's golfers also received strong home support throughout the tournament. Mirabel Ting emerged as the leading Malaysian for the third consecutive year, finishing tied 48th at five-under-par. The 21-year-old continues to make her mark in professional golf and is set to join the LPGA Tour in 2027 following an outstanding rookie season on the Epson Tour, where she secured two victories and topped the Race for the Card standings. The tournament also marked an emotional milestone for Malaysian golfer Kelly Tan, who announced her retirement from competitive golf after completing her round.

Beyond the competition, the Maybank Championship brought together golf enthusiasts, families and communities from Malaysia and across the region. The Maybank Village added to the tournament atmosphere with activities celebrating ASEAN culture and community, creating an engaging experience for spectators beyond the golf course. Speaking on the championship, Maybank President and Group Chief Executive Officer Dato' Sri Khairussaleh Ramli congratulated Yamashita on her historic achievement and highlighted the tournament's role in advancing women's golf in Malaysia and the wider region. He also reaffirmed Maybank's commitment to growing the sport and inspiring the next generation of golfers through its purpose of Harnessing Collective Power.

Held from 29 October to 1 November 2026, the Maybank Championship continues to establish itself as one of the leading events on the LPGA Tour's Asian swing, bringing together world-class players and emerging regional talents in Kuala Lumpur.

The 2026 edition concluded with another memorable chapter for women's golf, celebrating sporting excellence, regional talent and the growing influence of women's golf across ASEAN.