Dryburgh Eyes Second Asian Victory at Maybank Classic, Choi Leads After Thrilling First Round
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Gemma Dryburgh is poised for a potential breakthrough at the Maybank Classic, carding a stunning 7-under 65 on Thursday. This performance puts the Scottish player within striking distance of a second LPGA Tour victory, and her first as a memorable win in Japan three years ago.
Dryburgh’s day was highlighted by a seventh birdie on the 18th hole at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. This crucial shot left her just one stroke behind the first-round leader, Hye-Jin Choi.
Choi Sets the Pace with Impressive 64
Choi’s extraordinary 64 included a remarkable eagle on the par-5 third hole, alongside a well-placed birdie on the 18th. She demonstrated resilience throughout the round, navigating challenging conditions with precision.
Benedetta Moresco of Italy matched Dryburgh’s score, securing a tie for second place.
“It was a very stress-free round,” Dryburgh commented,reflecting on her confident performance.
Adapting to the Heat: A New Orleans Advantage
The humid and warm Malaysian weather presented a stark contrast to Dryburgh’s native Scotland. However, her time living in new Orleans, where she attended Tulane University, proved invaluable in preparing for the conditions.
“Living where I do now helped me on a day like today,” she explained. “I like how the greens are kind of similar to where I play in New Orleans, grainy. So it kind of suits my eye.”
Contenders Emerge: A Packed Leaderboard
Several other players are closely trailing the leaders,setting the stage for a competitive tournament. Lydia Ko, Hannah Green, Ingrid Lindblad, Arpichaya Yubol, and Somi Lee all carded 66s, placing them two strokes behind Choi.
Choi emphasized the importance of recovery shots in her accomplished first round. “I had a lot of situations which I could make bogeys because of rough and hazard, but I made a lot of good pars,” she stated.
Notable Performances and Upcoming Challenges
Defending champion Yin Ruoning delivered a solid 68,as did world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul. Thitikul, a two-time winner this year, feels a strong connection to the Malaysian course.
“I think it just kind of feels like cozy to play here,” she saeid.”The course, the weather, and also the fans seem like second home to me.”
Looking ahead, the LPGA Tour continues its Asian swing next week with the japan Classic at Shiga. This tournament holds special significance for Dryburgh, as it was the site of her 2022 victory.
This tournament promises exciting golf as players battle for position and chase their dreams on the international stage. You can expect a thrilling competition as the week unfolds.
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