KUALA LUMPUR: Yin Ruoning and Jeeno Thitikul may be best friends off and on the golf course, but both will need to set aside their friendship as they vie for the Maybank Championship crown on Sunday.
The duo, who previously teamed up to win the Dow Jones Championship – the LPGA Tour's only team format event – in June, will return as rivals for the finale at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Both have their eyes set on the US$450,000 top prize and the iconic Tiger trophy.
In a thrilling penultimate round on Saturday, Jeeno and Ruoning surged up the leaderboard with stunning rounds of 64 and 66, respectively, bringing them to 16-under 200.
South Korea's Ryu Hae Ran completed the three-way tie at the top after posting a 67.
An intriguing final-round battle looms with overnight leader Maja Stark of Sweden (70) just two shots off the pace, whilst defending champion Celine Boutier of France (68) and American Marina Alex (71) remain within striking distance at 12-under overall.
All eyes, however, will be on Ruoning and Jeeno as they each pursue personal milestones.
The Chinese star aims for her second title in three starts following her recent win at the Buick LPGA Shanghai.
Meanwhile, Jeeno seeks redemption after her heartbreaking nine-hole playoff loss to Boutier last year.
Sharing the final group has both competitors excited, though they're keeping their competitive edge sharp.
"I won't think too much about winning," said Ruoning.
"I just want to go out, enjoy myself, and play my game, just like I did today and the last two days.
"Tomorrow with Jeeno will be fun. We've never played together in the final group before, so I don't know what to expect.
"We're besties, but on the course, of course, we both want to win."
Jeeno, seeking her first individual victory since 2022, shared her friend's enthusiasm.
"Having her (Ruoning) on the course in the same group, it's just make me more relax, we talk a lot," she said.
The Thai star also counts Hae Ran as a close friend and sees their trio as part of a new generation energising the LPGA Tour.
"This past few weeks, we've played together a lot — not just Ruoning, but also Hae Ran.
"Playing the last round in KL with all my besties is more than I could ask for," Jeeno added.
Leading third round scores:
200 - Jeeno Thitikul (Tha) 67-69-64, Yin Ruoning (Chn) 67-67-66, Ryu Hae Ran (Kor) 64-69-67;
202 - Maja Stark (Swe) 66-66-70;204 - Celine Boutier (Fra) 67-69-68, Marina Alex (US) 69-64-71.
Selected Malaysians:
206 - Mirabel Ting (am) 67-75-64;207 - Ashley Lau 73-68-66;
233 - Nur Durriyah Damian 78-79-76, Liyana Durisic 79-81-76.