Taiwan’s Yani Tseng clinched victory the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament on Sunday in a thrilling performance that showed why she is the world’s number one women’s golfer. Tseng, who was the defending champion in the $1.5 million event, fired a six-under-par 66 to edge out Japan’s Ai Miyazato by one stroke at the Siam Country Club Old Course. The Japanese star performed bravely throughout the round, battling back time and again to keep the pressure on Tseng. But the Taiwanese seized the win in dramatic fashion with a stunning iron to the green at the 18th from 104 yards, leaving her a two-foot birdie putt to defeat Miyazato, who also birdied the hole for a 68. Korea’s Shin Ji-Yai shot 67 for third place while compatriot Amy Yang was a further three shots behind.
Tseng said her victory was “very emotional” and she had to work hard for it, especially on the back nine. “That was my shot of the week at the 18th,” she said. “I knew I had to get it close because Ai had a birdie lined up. I didn’t want it to go to a play-off.” Miyazato said she was quite happy with her performance despite just missing out. “Overall I played really well, although I let slip a couple of birdie chances,” she said. “But next time I want to win.” She praised Tseng’s performance. “Yani is No 1, so I knew it wouldn’t be easy. After five holes she was five-under and I kind of expected that.” The spectators were treated to golf of the highest calibre as the two stars battled it out.
