Ai Miyazato grabs her eighth LPGA triumph at Hawaii
Ai Miyazato of Japan scored a 70 in the final round of the LPGA Lotte Championship, winning the title.
Miyazato played surprisingly well in the final moments, as she shot birdies on the last six holes and grabbed a four-shot victory.
The tournament being played at Ko Olina Club, Hawaii, features a strong field, containing LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) giants like the current world number one Yani Tseng, Paula Creamer and Suzann Pettersen.
Miyazato managed to share a lead with Azahara Munoz from the second round, as she recorded a stunning 8-under 65. The Japanese star kept the pressure high on her rivals in the third round as well.
Although she posted a 70 on the third day, she still maintained her ascendency over other contenders.
Meena Lee, who was standing tied for the fourth, improved her position in the final round and grabbed the second position on the leaderboard.
Thrilled about racking up her eight LPGA triumph, Miyazato said that she did not think that she would be able to beat big names, as the field was much stronger than most of the other events.
She added that she just held her nerve and this was what helped her win the event. “I don’t know what happened,” said the star, who has recorded 15 victories on the Japan LPGA.
“I just focused on my game. I was pretty nervous toward the end because I know everyone is playing so well. I had to finish really strong”.
The final round saw Miyazato record four birdies and two bogeys. She cheered up the spectators when she reeled off her first birdie on the par-4 6th hole. She faltered on the 9th, as she misjudged her stoke on the putting greens and
shot a bogey.
On the back nine, the 26-year-old winner showed a far better performance, as she posted 3 birdies and just one bogey.
“I just keep saying to myself just to be patient and no rush. I’ve been playing so well this year. It was very nice. Honestly, she is so good. But, no, Yani has been playing really solid. It’s so inspiring that she’s playing so well. That’s why I’m here.
We’re kind of inspiring each other,” Miyazato shared.
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