Angela Stanford finishes runner-up in Mexico
American Angela Stanford got off to a sizzling start at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational 2012, but could not maintain momentum in the last two rounds, finishing tied for the second position along
with South Korean Inbee Park.
Stanford was one of the three contenders who grabbed an early lead at the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tournament, played at Guadalajara Country Club, Mexico, and she was hopeful
that she would be able to carry on in the same pace in the next three rounds.
American Cristie Kerr, who was ambitiously looking to surprise her fans this time, carded an overall 272 to win the title.
Stanford posted a 66 to share the lead with Michelle Wie and Candie Kung, but she was pushed back by rivals in the next two rounds.
Hot favourite due to her win at the 2008 edition of the tournament, Stanford’s improved swing enabled her to take a commanding position on the leaderboard, but she made several mistakes in
the third round, making lousy shots on some of the holes.
She posted a 72 in the third round, which left her struggling to rise to the top in the fourth round on Sunday.
The last round was the scene of a nerve-shattering competition as the LPGA titan shot a 68 with the help of three birdies and one eagle.
She parred the first two holes, but carded a bogey on the par-5 third. She then drained birdies on 4th and 8th hole. On the back nine, she launched an eagle on the par-5
10th.
“I saw my chance in the end and you know that’s all you really play for out here. You know, sometimes you make them and sometimes you don’t,” Stanford said while speaking to the LPGA Tour
at the end of the final round on Sunday.
“The fact that I had a birdie putt to tie it in the end was pretty good because this day could’ve gone the other way”.
Stanford went on to say that she has been focusing on long game. “You know I’ve been working on things with my swing and to get this result just kind of gives you confidence in what you’re
doing”.
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