American Rose Zhang Shoots 7–under 65 to Take the Third-Round Lead at the LPGA Malaysia Tournament

Peiyun Chien of Chinese Taipei tees off on the 4th hole during the third round of the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct. 28, 2023. Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Rose Zhang birdied the 18th hole Saturday for a 7–under 65 and a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Maybank Championship on the LPGA Tour.

The American had an 18-under total of 198 on the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club course.

Rose Zhang of the United States tees off on the 5th hole during the third round of the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct. 28, 2023. Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images

“I just feel like being able to have this opportunity to come into the final round with a little bit of a lead is really great,” Zhang said. “I think that going forward it’s just making sure I’m having fun, having that game plan.”

Atthaya Thitikul was tied for second place after a 62 with fellow Thai player Jasmine Suwannapura (67), who led after the first two rounds. Kim Sei-young of South Korea was in fourth place after a 65, three strokes behind Zhang.

It is the third of four LPGA events on the tour’s Asian swing. Minjee Lee of Australia won last week’s stop in South Korea in a playoff and the final tournament is next week’s Toto Classic in Japan.