France's Celine Boutier and Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand (right) during the press conference at the KLGCC on Tuesday (Oct 22, 2024). - Photo: from Maybank
KUALA LUMPUR: Two of the hottest players in the LPGA tour - France's Celine Boutier and Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand - have promised to light up the tournament when the Maybank Championships gets underway on Thursday at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).
During a joint press conference, French golfer Boutier and Jeeno were in high spirits and were ready to strut at the KLGCC fairways and greens when the tournaments tees off.
Both the players have been in good form running up to the tournament. At last weekend's BMW Championship in Seowon Hills in South Korea, Boutier finished runners-up behind Aussie star Hannah Green, who will also taking part in Maybank Championship while Jeeno finished at the the tied-eight position.
Last year, Boutier, the world number seven claimed the title last year by defeating Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul in a thrilling nine-hole playoff after both players were tied with a four-day total of 21-under 267 on the final day.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of this year’s event from Oct 24-27, the 30-year-old Boutier admitted that returning to Malaysia had stirred both positive emotions and expectations, especially as she has not won any Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour title since her Maybank Championship victory last October.
"Maybe, a little bit of added pressure because I want to perform well and defend my title. It's a unique situation,” said Boutier, who finished runner-up to Australian Hannah Green by one stroke in last weekend’s BMW Ladies Championship at the Seowon Hills Country Club in South Korea.
"I feel good... I hope to put in a solid performance this week and give myself a chance. That's all I can ask for... and we’ll see what happens,” added the six-time LPGA Tour title winner.
Boutier, who will be playing in Malaysia for only the second time, said she feels more comfortable and at ease this time as she recalled her experience on the KLGCC course.
"I think it's kind of a target golf course. you don't have to bomb it on every hole. You have to place it pretty well on the fairway, and then there are a few birdie chances if you're able to hit it close,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jeeno, 21, is eager to make amends for last year’s disappointment by going one better this time.
"I want to win it, but I know there are a lot of talented players out here on the LPGA Tour who can shoot nine-under, eight-under or even 10-under in the final round... or even every day!
"So, this week, I am really looking forward to controlling my mindset, staying positive and being present. I think I have a chance...,” she said.
The three-time LPGA Tour winner, including the Dow Championship in June, was elated by the local crowd support last year and is thrilled to play here once again.
"I hope they (local fans) will give me full support again. It is a very nice atmosphere here and I hope will be another good outing. Maybe this time I even have a chance to get the title," said a beaming Jeeno.
This year’s Maybank Championship features a strong 78-woman field, with eight of the world's top 10 also vying for glory, including the likes of American Lilia Vu (world No 2), China’s Ruoning Yin (No 4) and South Korea’s Jin Young Ko (No 5).
The two missing names are World No.1 Nelly Korda, down with a neck injury, while Paris Olympics champion Lydia has also decided to rest from her busy schedule and give the KL tournament a miss.
