Safeway Classic 2012: Asians steal the show yet again
The Safeway Classic 2012, which ended last Sunday with a flurry of excitement, saw another young Asian star rise to fame despite a strong roster that featured most of the top-ranked American and European contenders.
Mika Miyazato of Japan was aware that the only way to make a name for herself in women’s golf was to earn a victory, and she seized the moment when she came face-to-face against rivals at the Safeway Classic 2012.
The Japanese star shot an overall score of 203, recording a two-shot victory against her nearest rivals.
American players, who are desperately seeking to regain their lost glory they once had on the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour, could not impress the spectators at their own soil — North Plains, Oregon, United States.
The only American star who was able to give a tough time to formidable Asian contenders was Brittany Lincicome. Lincicome fought hard till the final moment but could not subdue Miyazato, as her score in the second round, a 71, hampered her from surging ahead.
Analysts said that fans in the United States have been waiting to see their national players start winning again, but given the stats in recent tournaments, Asian stars appear to have cemented their reputation.
Although LPGA giants like current world number one Yani Tseng — an Asian golfer, have been struggling to prove their mettle as their performance has not been satisfactory in recent tournaments, new faces such as Na Yeon Choi and Mika Miyazato have taken over maintaining Asian supremacy on the LPGA Tour.
Despite losing the Safeway Classic 2012 to her Asian rival, Lincicome appeared to be brimming with confidence. Speaking to the media the at end of the tournament on Sunday, the American star said that she has not lost hope and is hopeful of making a comeback in the coming tournaments.
Lincicome fired an overall 205 to tie for the second position along with South Korean Inbee Park.
“I'm not sure what to do exactly. I had a great finish. They're coming in. I started slow again today. I don't know why I'm getting off to such slow starts. If I made a couple of birdies, it would be greater. I had a great time with Han, and I made a lot of putts today. It was nice to see the putter working,” Lincicome said.
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