KUALA LUMPUR: Home stars Mirabel Ting and Ashley Lau have given local fans even more reason to throng the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club for Sunday's Maybank Championship finale.
The Sarawakian duo — representing Malaysia's finest in amateur and professional ranks, respectively — mounted a thrilling charge up the leaderboard on Saturday, positioning themselves within the top 12 for the final round.
Mirabel, the only amateur in the field, showcased her talent against LPGA Tour elites with a stellar, bogey-free eight-under 64, the day's lowest score, propelling her to a share of 10th place at 10-under 206, just six shots behind the leaders.
The 18-year-old's performance was particularly impressive given her struggles in the second round, where she posted a 75.
Ashley also impressed, posting a flawless 66, capped by a dramatic chip-in par save at the 18th, which secured her a tie for 12th at 207.
Both players now have the chance to break Kelly Tan's record for the best Malaysian finish in a home LPGA Tour event, a tie for 32nd at the 2010 Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
The highest-ever finish by a Malaysian in an LPGA Tour event belongs to Lim Siew Ai, who tied for second at the 2004 Kellogg-Keebler Classic.
Mirabel's comeback round was nothing short of spectacular.
Playing before an appreciative gallery that included her family, she ignited her round with six birdies on the front nine before adding two more on the back, equalling the 64 posted by Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul among the tournament leaders.
The world's eighth-ranked amateur, with three collegiate victories in the US already under her belt, spoke confidently about competing at the highest level.
"I actually wasn't really expecting to come back with a 64. I told myself, if it happens, it happens. There are good days and bad days," said Mirabel.
"To play here and shoot this score shows I belong on this stage."
Despite her strong showing, Mirabel remains grounded.
"I'm here to learn and experience playing with the best in the world. No matter what the outcome, I'll be proud of what I'm doing," she added.
For Ashley, the prospect of a top-10 finish and its associated financial rewards — US$60,000 for a top-10 spot and US$123,000 for a top-five result — is a motivator, but she's keeping a cool head heading into the final round.
Preparing for the LPGA Qualifying Series next month, Ashley aims to keep the pressure off.
"I think just a normal day tomorrow. If it happens, great, but that's not my main goal," said Ashley. "My goal is to have fun and play without pressure, because that's when I perform my best."
Ashley also hopes to leverage the home advantage for a strong finish.
"Having support behind you is great. It makes you feel more comfortable out on the course," she added.