KUALA LUMPUR: China's Yin Ruoning captured the Maybank Championship on Sunday, securing her third LPGA title of the season.
She prevailed in a thrilling final-round battle against Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul and South Korea's Ryu Hae Ran, the co-leaders at the start of the day.
The victory marked the world No. 4's second triumph in three tournaments, following her recent success at the Buick LPGA Shanghai two weeks ago.
With nerves of steel, Ruoning sank a crucial birdie putt on the 18th hole, completing a sublime seven-under 65 round.
Her tournament total of 23-under 265 proved just enough for a one-shot victory over Thitikul.
Despite mounting a strong challenge throughout the final round, Thitikul's hopes dimmed after a costly bogey on the sixth hole cost her the early lead.
The Thai had to settle for runner-up position, a familiar outcome at this venue, where 12 months ago she fell to French star Celine Boutier in a memorable nine-hole playoff.
Hae Ran remained in contention throughout the three-way battle but ultimately finished two strokes behind the winner with a final-round 67.
The victory further cements Ruoning's status as one of the tour's brightest young talents, bringing her LPGA Tour victory total to six at just 22 years of age.
After her triumph, she acknowledged her formidable competitors. "I would say that was a really tough battle out there, and Hae Ran and Jeeno, they are really, really good and they just bring the best version of myself," said Ruoning, who earned US$450,000 for her victory.
The win placed Ruoning in elite company as only the fourth player this season to claim three or more victories, joining an impressive roster that includes Nelly Korda (six wins), Lydia Ko (four), and Hannah Green (three).
"I'm really happy that I am able to do that and join... Nelly, Lydia and Hannah," said Ruoning, whose season also includes a victory at the Dow Championship in June.
Jeeno displayed admirable sportsmanship in defeat, acknowledging her own maximal effort and her opponent's superior play.
"I did give 100% out there. You know, in the back nine towards the end I really, really gave it," said Jeeno.
"Ruoning did really incredible job. I think for the past three days she didn't have any bogey at all. That's why we gave it all to her.
Leading final round scores:
265 - Yin Ruoning (Chn) 67-67-66-65;
266 - Jeeno Thitikul (Tha) 67-69-64-66;
267 - Ryu Hae Ran (Kor) 64-69-67-67;
272: Bailey Tardy (US) 69-70-68-65, Maja Stark (Swe) 66-66-70-70.
Selected Malaysians:
276 - Mirabel Ting (am) 67-75-64-70;
278 - Ashley Lau 73-68-66-71;
305 - Liyana Durisic 79-81-76-69;
309 - Nur Durriyah Damian 78-79-76-76