KUALA LUMPUR: The intense rivalry between Celine Boutier and Atthaya Thitikul continues to captivate fans at this year's Maybank Championship, carrying forward their memorable battle from last year.
For the second consecutive day, Boutier and Thitikul are tied, this time for ninth place at eight-under 136, after both carded identical 69s, moving up two spots at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).
The duo had opened with impressive 67s on Thursday.
As last year's champion and runner-up respectively, Boutier and Thitikul were paired in a featured group for the opening rounds, rekindling their rivalry from 12 months ago.
Fans will remember their dramatic playoff battle, which saw Boutier triumph on the ninth extra hole — the marathon contest tied for the second-longest playoff in LPGA Tour history.
Just four shots behind Sweden's Maja Stark, both Boutier and Thitikul remain in strong contention heading into the weekend.
Joining them in ninth place is the Philippines' Bianca Pagdanganan, who is capitalising on a sponsor's invitation from Maybank, part of an initiative to promote women's golf in the Asean region.
Pagdanganan fired a superb 66, launching herself up 33 spots from her overnight position, and is now vying for a surprising victory.
Currently ranked 107th in the season-long CME Globe points standings, Pagdanganan has struggled to make a major impact on the LPGA Tour this season.
She may need to play in the LPGA Qualifying Series next month to regain her full card.
However, a victory on Sunday would dramatically alter her path, as tournament winners earn a two-year tour exemption.
"I'm actually really happy to be here. I was in the Philippines before this week, so when I got the invite, I was really excited — I didn't have to fly that far," said Pagdanganan.
"It's a great opportunity. I'm happy to be playing in Southeast Asia, which is my region, so I feel really acclimated to the weather.
"I'm very grateful to Maybank for this chance, not just for LPGA players, but for all the other Asean players."