Thailand’s rising amateur star Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul enjoyed a career first on Tuesday, making a hole-in-one to take a commanding five-shot lead after the opening round of the Maybank Championship ASEAN Qualifier.

The 17-year-old Thai national team player pulled off the ace on the 147-yard par-three fourth hole at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club’s West Course. She hit a nine-iron off the tee and found her way into the cup, helping her post a superb five-under-par 67.

Her round consisted of five birdies on holes 3, 10, 11, 15, and 18, against two bogeys on holes 2 and 17. Ranked 53rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Kritchanya holds seven career titles, including the 2025 APGC Junior Championship and the 2025 Singha SAT Prachin Buri Ladies Championship.

“I am very happy with this result,” said Kritchanya. “My approach shots and putting were good, and today I also got my first hole-in-one ever. I will just stick to my plan tomorrow and stay calm.”

She leads by five shots from Malaysia’s Zulaikah Nasser and fellow Thai amateur Achiraya Sriwong, who both carded even-par 72s.

Only the top five finishers after Wednesday’s final round will qualify for the three million USD Maybank Championship that will be held from October 30 to November 2.

Malaysia's Zulaikah Nasser, a three-time PGM Tour winner, bounced back with a birdie on hole 18 after bogeying the 17th, putting her in contention to be one of the five ASEAN qualifiers for the upcoming championship.

“It was a bit up and down,” she said.

“I bogeyed holes nine and ten but bounced back and finished strong. I will just keep doing the same things and keep my mind present," she added.

Four players are tied for fourth on one-over-par 73, namely Malaysians Genevieve Ling and Aretha Pan, Thai amateur Namo Luangnitikul, and Thai professional Chakansim Khamborn. One shot behind and rounding up the top ten are Indonesia's Tatiana Wijaya and three professionals, Thitapa Pakdeesettakul, Onkanok Soisuwan, Kan Bunnabodee from Thailand.