Golfer Liyana books last ticket to RM12 million Maybank Championship

Malaysian golfer Liyana Durisic secured a spot in the Maybank Championship, the largest event on the Malaysian women's golf circuit, after clinching the fifth and final ticket at the Asean Qualifier. The 25-year-old achieved a two-under 70 on the final day at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, finishing one stroke ahead of Thailand's Namo Luangnitikul. Her total of one-under 143 was enough to edge Thailand's Namo Luangnitikul, earning her a third consecutive appearance in the 78-player field.

Liyana expressed her joy, stating, "I've never been so happy for a fifth place before, so yeah, I'm really happy." She admitted she was relieved not to have to play a playoff, adding, "I kind of knew I was either going to be right on the dot or I was going to have to go for a playoff, so I'm really relieved to get through the qualifier and qualify for the main event."

The final round proved challenging for the young golfer, who started the day on one-over after an opening 73 on Tuesday. Liyana pushed herself to five-under through her first nine holes on the West Course before allowing three shots on the inward nine. She admitted thoughts of maintaining a bogey-free round had crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed the idea, saying, "I'm really happy that 70 was good enough today, but if I could rewind the day, 70 wouldn't have been the score I wanted."

This marks Liyana's third consecutive appearance at the Maybank Championship. She earned her way through the Asean Qualifier for the second time, having qualified on merit in 2024 just after turning professional. Liyana's previous qualification came after failing to secure one of the qualifying spots last year, but she received a sponsor's exemption and finished joint 72nd at the main event.

Having won six times on the domestic PGM Tour and secured the Women's World Sand Greens Championship in Australia earlier this year, Liyana is now looking to build on that success. Her objective remains simple: "My goal is still to have fun because obviously I'm not on the LPGA stage just yet," she said. "This gives me a glimpse into that life, and I think if I'm able to keep my nerves level throughout, I could have a chance to play almost just as well as them."

With her sights set on rounds under par over the four days, Liyana isn't setting a specific finishing target for the Maybank Championship. She added, "If I could get rounds under par over the four days, I think I'd finish in a good position and I'd be happy with it."