Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Three-time Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) participant Kristina Natalia Yoko has booked herself a place in October’s US$3 million Maybank Championship.

The 24-year-old Indonesian posted a 36-hole total of one-over-par 145 over the West Course at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) in the inaugural ASEAN Qualifier for the region’s richest women’s event.

A two-time Queen Sirikit Cup representative for Indonesia, Yoko was the only amateur to claim a top-five finish and secure a starting spot in the showpiece LPGA Tour gathering from October 24-27.

Yoko tied for third with newly-minted Malaysian professional Liyana Durisic, whose compatriot, Nur Durriyah Damian, captured the final place on offer with a 147 total.

The top-two places were filled by Indonesian Ida Ayu Indira Melati Putri with a total of two-under 142 (74-68) and Thailand’s Chayanit Wangmahaporn (69-74).

Yoko made waves on Tuesday when she posted an opening four-under 68 to sit atop the leaderboard. It was tougher going on Wednesday, although a 77 proved good enough to win through.

There was disappointment for a handful of other amateur hopefuls who had high hopes of securing a top-five finish.

Indonesian Meva Schmit finished tied for ninth on 149, one shot ahead of Malaysian Ng Jing Xuen (150), women’s individual gold medallist at last year’s Southeast Asian Games.

Singaporean Chen Xingtong, who last month became the youngest winner of the Singapore Open Amateur Championship at age 15, was 16th on 151.

The Maybank Championship will feature an elite 78-strong field competing for the Tiger Trophy, including world number one Nelly Korda of the United States, Paris Olympics gold medallist Lydia Ko of New Zealand, last year’s runner-up Atthaya ‘Jeeno’ Thitikul of Thailand, Japan’s Ayaka Furue and American Rose Zhang.

Maybank said its vision for the 2024 championship extends beyond sports, reflected in the championship’s efforts to elevate ASEAN talents and provide a global platform for golfers to shine.

Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group CEO of Maybank, said: “The ASEAN Qualifier represents more than just a gateway to the LPGA; it embodies our commitment to providing opportunities to empower individuals across the ASEAN region.

“Congratulations to the winners. We hope their success continues to inspire young talent across the region to strive for excellence on and off the greens.”