KUALA LUMPUR: Fighting back from an early-season injury, world No. 2 American Lilia Vu has proved why she belongs at the top.
Malaysian fans are in for a treat as the 27-year-old sensation makes her debut at the US$3 million Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club tomorrow.
With American world No. 1 Nelly Korda withdrawing due to a neck injury, Vu headlines the stellar 78-player field as the highest-ranked competitor, having missed last year's inaugural edition.
She'll face stiff competition from defending champion Celine Boutier, last year's runner-up Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, and recent BMW Ladies Championship winner Hannah Green as they vie for the US$450,000 top prize.
Following a two-month hiatus between April and May, Vu has demonstrated her determination to make up for lost time.
She made an immediate impact upon her return in June, clinching the Meijer LPGA Classic for her fifth LPGA Tour victory.
Her strong form continued with runner-up finishes at two major championships: the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in June and the AIG Women's Open in August.
"I think I've done well within the circumstances. I know my back injury definitely took a toll on my strength," said Vu.
"I think that's something that I can't really gain mid-season, so I'm looking forward to the off-season for that.
"But I'm just playing with what I can. I know my game right now is good enough to be out here so I'm just going to try my best and trust the team around me."
Vu had a phenomenal 2023 season that saw her capture four titles, including two majors, while claiming world No. 1 status and LPGA Tour Player of the Year accolades.
Vu is under no illusion that replicating such fine form every season will be easy, but it has done wonders for her confidence.
"I had a great year last year. Not every year is going to be like that. At least I feel like at every tournament I show up I do have a chance to win," she said.
On her first impression of the KLGCC's West Course, Vu is relishing the challenge of a layout that will test every aspect of her game.
"I think this is no easy course by any means. It's pretty demanding off the tees," she said.
"There is kind of water a lot around here off the tees, so kind of have to be diligent and kind of know where the wind is, where you want to place yourself.
"It's also kind of hilly, so you also have to play with different lies in the fairways and different tiers. I think this golf course is going to test the best of your game."