Jeeno Thitikul Conquers LPGA Shanghai in Thrilling Playoff
SHANGHAI – Jeeno Thitikul staged an epic comeback to win the LPGA Shanghai, becoming the first player with two LPGA tournament wins this season. Thitikul, who started the day four strokes behind the leader, Minami Katsu, achieved an impressive 63, the best score of the day, with seven birdies and an eagle. This performance allowed her to tie with Katsu, who had maintained a comfortable lead for much of the day. The Thai player showed her composure with birdies on holes 14, 15 and 16, and a spectacular eagle on hole 17, tying the score. Katsu, despite a birdie on the 17th hole, couldn’t hold the lead, and a mistake on the last hole forced a playoff. The playoff extended for five holes, with both players showing solid play. Thitikul finally took the victory with a brilliant approach on the fifth hole, leaving Katsu with no options.This victory is Thitikul’s second of the season, following her triumph at the Mizuho Americas Open in May. Minjee Lee, winner of the Women’s PGA Championship in June, finished in third place. Jenny Bae, Miyu Yamashita, and Somi Lee shared fourth place. The defending champion, Ruoning Yin, finished in 26th place. The Shanghai event is the first of five tournaments in Asia, followed by events in South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.What happened at the last event is still on my mind, but being able to prove myself again in this tournament is like a dream come true.
Jeeno Thitikul
