Genevieve takes one-shot lead into final round

KUALA LUMPUR: Genevieve Ling will take a slender one-shot lead into the final round of The Ladies 2026 after maintaining her strong form at The Mines Resort & Golf Club on Friday.

The joint overnight leader followed her opening 64 with a four-under 67 for an 11-under 131 total, edging ahead of Charlayne Chong in what is shaping up to be a tight battle for the title.

Charlayne, who began the day two shots behind, produced a second successive 66 to move to 132 and stay firmly on Genevieve's heels.

Defending champion Liyana Durisic is also very much in the hunt despite losing some ground with a 70.

Liyana, who shared the first-round lead with Genevieve after opening with a 64, is third on 134 — three shots off the pace.

Genevieve said she was pleased with her position despite finding the second round a demanding one.

"I've been enjoying playing at The Mines. It's been a while and I'm looking forward to playing tomorrow. Today felt like a long round," she said.

Charlayne is hoping to carry her consistency into the deciding round.

"The last two days I've been playing really well and I've been shooting low scores, so I hope I can maintain that tomorrow," she said.

Liyana, meanwhile, was satisfied to remain within striking distance.

"I'm glad I pulled through a solid, decent round today despite playing great yesterday," she said.

Pang Hee Jie made one of the biggest moves of the day with a 65 to reach 138, joining Aishah Alisa, Ng Jing Xuen and Zulaikah Nasser.

The cut fell at 10-over after 36 holes, with 30 players and ties advancing to Saturday's final round.

The tournament carries a RM100,000 prize purse, with RM30,000 going to the champion.