Pauline Roussin-Bouchard leads after first round

Pauline Roussin-Bouchard took the lead after the first round of the Maybank Championship with a score of 64 (-8), her best of the season. Her performance included hitting 15 of the 18 greens in regulation and needing only 28 putts to record eight birdies, including three on the final holes.

Competitors close behind

Roussin-Bouchard leads by one stroke over the American Sophia Schubert and the defending champion, the Japanese Miyu Yamashita, and by two strokes over her compatriot Perrine Delacour and the Englishwoman Charley Hull. Perrine Delacour also had a strong start to the tournament, placing fourth.

Céline Boutier struggles to regain form

Céline Boutier is in 21st place after a difficult performance. She had won the first edition of this tournament in 2023 but is now five shots behind Roussin-Bouchard. Boutier explained the day before that she has very good memories of the last two years but lamented the inconsistency of her game.

Boutier aims to finish the season strong

"It's so nice to be back here," Boutier said. "I will do my best to finish the season well and, I hope, the last tournaments." She has missed four cuts in a row and is currently ranked 79th on the CME Globe Points List.

Roussin-Bouchard needs strong results

Roussin-Bouchard knows she needs to score points in order to enter the top 60 and qualify for the CME Group Tour Championship. Her strong start gives her a chance to improve her position and secure her place in the final major tournament of the season.