Zulaikah swings back into contention with birdie finish
Zulaikah carded an even-par 72 to share second place with Thai amateur Achiraya Sriwong, both trailing another Thai amateur, Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul, by five strokes after she fired a stunning 67 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).
Zulaikah said: "I feel pretty good about my round although it was very up and down.
"I think I did well through the first eight holes and then on nine and 10, I bogeyed both holes.
"However, I bounced right back and finished with a birdie. I'm happy. I am hopeful for another good day tomorrow.
Aretha and Genevieve each returned a 73 to sit in a four-way tie for third alongside Thailand's Chanakim Khamborn and Namo Luangnitkul, heading into today's decisive final 18 holes.
Only the top five finishers will book their spots in the US$3 million (RM12.7 million) showpiece, which returns for its third edition as the richest LPGA Tour stop in Asia.
Earning a place in the elite 78-woman field guarantees a minimum payout of approximately US$5,400 as the tournament is a no-cut event.
It was a tougher day for the highest-ranked Malaysian in the field, Liyana Durisic, and former SEA Games gold medallist Ng Jing Xuen, who both have work to do to secure back-to-back appearances after struggling to 77s in the opening round.
Leading first round scores:
(Malaysian unless stated)
*(a) indicates amateur
67: Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul (Tha) (a);
72: Zulaikah Nasser, Achiraya Sriwong (Tha) (a);
73: Chakansim Khamborn (Tha), Aretha Pan, Genevieve Ling, Namo Luangnitikul (Tha);
74: Tatiana Wijaya (Ina), Thitapa Pakdeesettakul (Tha), Onkanok Soisuwan (Tha), Kan Bunnabodee (Tha).
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