Charley Hull Four Back at Maybank Championship as Jeeno Thitikul Leads in Malaysia

England's Charley Hull remains firmly in contention at the LPGA Tour's Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, sitting just four shots off the pace after Friday's second round. Hull, one of the most recognizable names in women's golf, carded a solid round to stay within striking distance of leader Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, who has set a blistering pace at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. The tournament, co-sanctioned by the LPGA and the Korean LPGA, features a star-studded field competing for a $3 million purse. Thitikul, a two-time LPGA winner already this season, continued her impressive form with a second consecutive 65 to reach 14-under-par, establishing a two-shot cushion over American Allisen Corpuz. Hull's steady play has kept her in the mix at 10-under, alongside major champions Ruoning Yin and Hannah Green. The 28-year-old from Kettering is seeking her first LPGA victory since 2022 and her first win on Asian soil. Why it matters: Hull's aggressive ball-striking and growing consistency make her a genuine threat over the weekend, especially if Thitikul shows any signs of vulnerability. The Maybank Championship is the penultimate event before the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, so a strong finish could boost Hull's Race to the CME Globe ranking and momentum heading into the finale. With 36 holes remaining, expect Hull to lean on her experience and fearless approach as she chases down the leaders.