Shin latest star from Asia
20-year-old wins Women’s British Open
SUNNINGDALE, England – Ji-Yai Shin won the Women’s British Open by three strokes after a final round 6-under 66 on Sunday, maintaining Asia’s recent domination of the majors on the LPGA Tour.
The 20-year-old South Korean, whose 21 previous victories were all in her homeland or Japan, captured her first major with an 18-under score of 270. Taiwan’s Yani Tseng, winner of the LPGA Championship, was second with a 66 and a 15-under total of 273.
“This morning I was very nervous but I focused on my game and now I won, so I am happy,” said Shin, who led an Asian top five. “I was planning to play in Japan, but maybe now I change my plans and play in America.”
Korea’s Eun Hee Ji (67) and Japan’s third-round leader, Yuri Fudoh (71), tied for third on 14-under. Ai Miyazato (70) of Japan placed fifth on 13-under 275 in a tournament that was Annika Sorenstam’s major farewell.
The Swede, who is quitting tournament golf at the end of the year, finished with a 10-foot birdie putt for a 68 and a 6-under 282, which left her tied for 24th.
The leading American was Cristie Kerr, who placed sixth at 12 under after a 70. Juli Inkster, who led the first round with a 65 and was aiming to become the oldest winner of a major at age 48, finished tied for 14th on 9-under 279. Owner of seven majors but none since the 2002 U.S. Open, Inkster finished with a 1-over 73.
Defending champion Lorena Ochoa tied for seventh with a 69 for an 11-under 277.
Wendy Ward of Edwall, Wash., finished at 2 under.