Maybank Championship Starts for Thai Amateur Trio

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Thai amateur talents Sarisa Pojanalai, Achiraya Sriwong and Marisa Tojai will tee up with the stars of the LPGA Tour at this year's Maybank Championship, having earned their starts by finishing in the top-five of the ASEAN Qualifier at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC).

The trio will be joined by their professional countrywoman, Pimnipa Panthong, and Malaysian Liyana Durisic in the US$3 million showpiece, which will take place at KLGCC’s West Course from October 29-November 1.

Sarisa, Achiraya and Pimnipa topped the leaderboard at the 36-hole qualifier with matching aggregates of four-under-par 140, while Tojai finished fourth two shots back. Durisic claimed the fifth and final qualifying spot with a one-under 143 total.

The low round of the qualifier came from Sarisa with a closing six-under 66, which propelled her from off radar in the standings to joint first spot. The 19-year-old had opened her campaign with a two-over 74.

“This is my second time playing in the Maybank Championship ASEAN Qualifier, but it’s going to be my first time playing in the Maybank Championship. It feels like a dream come true,” said Sarisa, who is in her sophomore year at Michigan State University.

For Pimnipa, it will be her first appearance in an LPGA Tour event at age 29. She signed for rounds of 71 and 69.

“I'm very excited, as it's going to be my first time playing the Maybank Championship. I'll try to do my best,” said the experienced player, who competes on the Thai LPGA and China LPGA circuits.

Achiraya's rounds of 72 and 68 earned the teenager her second start in the Maybank Championship, having also qualified last year with a runner-up finish in the ASEAN Qualifier. The 18-year-old is the reigning Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Girls’ champion, having triumphed emphatically at Royal Colombo Golf Club in June.

“The Maybank Championship is a big tournament, and I’m looking forward to playing in it again. I believe I can do well,” said Achiraya, who finished 71st at last year’s Maybank Championship.

Tojai was elated at earning her first start in an LPGA event thanks to successive rounds of 71.

“Today's round had a bit of both good and bad, as I got off to a rough start. But I was glad to get birdies on a couple of the last holes. I'm really looking forward to playing the Maybank Championship,” said 17-year-old Tojai, winner of four World Amateur Golf Ranking events this year, including the ANNIKA Invitational.

With rounds of 73 and 70, Durisic booked her third successive Maybank Championship appearance, The 25-year-old qualified in 2024 and was granted a sponsor’s invitation last year.

“It will be so exciting to play in the Maybank Championship again. I’m a KLGCC ambassador and hope to do well this year,” said Durisic, whose best finish in the Maybank Championship was tied 72nd last year.

Inaugurated by Maybank in 2024 to provide a merit-based pathway to the Maybank Championship, the ASEAN Qualifier has become a highlight on the Southeast Asian golfing calendar. This year’s edition attracted a record field of 78 professionals and elite amateurs from five nations, with Thailand leading the count with 42 players, followed by the home nation with 23, Indonesia and the Philippines with five each, and Singapore with 10.