KUALA LUMPUR – Celine Boutier of France triumphed in the inaugural Maybank Championship at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club today, securing her fourth title this year after a gruelling nine-hole play-off victory over Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul.
Boutier overcame a one-stroke deficit on the final day, seizing an LPGA Tour victory after an intense play-off on the 18th (par 5) and 15th (par 3) holes.
Her exceptional display of skill in the US$3 million (RM14.3 million) tournament culminated in a record-equalling play-off, culminating with both her and Thitikul finishing at 21-under-par 267 over the four-day competition.
Boutier now joins the league of multiple winners this year, adding to the list of rising stars in women’s golf.
“It’s very tough to win on the Tour, and I feel like the more chances I get to play for the win, the more I will likely have some wins.
“I feel like I just try to put myself in this position as much as I can.
“Yeah, this year has been very unbelievable for me and very rewarding. I couldn’t be happier with the way this season is going.
“I look forward to returning here next year and hopefully accomplishing what I have achieved today,” she said.
Boutier’s relentless pursuit led to a captivating play-off after matching Thitikul’s performance in regulation on the 72nd hole.
Her impressive third-day 69 was followed by an outstanding eight-under 64 effort in the final round.
Jasmine Suwannapura of Thailand and Rose Zhang of the United States, the first and second-round leaders, shared joint third place with a score of 19-under 269, while Peiyun Cien of Chinese Taipei secured the fifth spot at 18-under 270.
Meanwhile, among the six Malaysian players, national number one Natasha Andrea Oon showed her mettle, finishing T52 at -3 overall.
“I wish I could have gone lower, but honestly the fans here are showing up and I can hear them and it’s so cool to see how Malaysia supports women’s golf.
“There is so much room for me to grow. These players are awesome.
“So I have to step my game up, and this is such a good introduction to what I should expect next year,” said Natasha, who is in her third LPGA Tour start as a professional.
The championship, featuring 78 women competitors in a no-cut event, commenced on Thursday and ended today. – October 29, 2023