Jeeno Thitikul Crowned Champion in Shanghai After Thrilling Playoff
In a movie ending, Jeeno Thitikul overcame a four-stroke deficit to be crowned champion of the LPGA Shanghai, becoming the first player to win two LPGA tournaments this season. Thitikul, with an impressive round of 63, including seven birdies and an eagle, forced a playoff with Minami Katsu. The Thai player demonstrated her composure with an extraordinary shot on the fifth playoff hole to secure the victory. Katsu, who was leading the competition, couldn’t maintain the lead despite a good performance. A birdie on the 17th hole was his only response to Thitikul’s comeback. The playoff was a duel of nerves. After four holes, both players remained with pars. Katsu had two birdie opportunities that narrowly missed, before Thitikul took the lead with a brilliant approach.This victory marks Thitikul’s second triumph of the season, after winning the Mizuho Americas Open in May, and serves as a relief after an unfortunate performance at the Kroger Queen City Championship. Minjee Lee, winner of her third major title at the Women’s PGA Championship, finished in third place. Jenny Bae, Miyu Yamashita, and Somi Lee tied for fourth place. The Shanghai event is the first of five tournaments in Asia, opening a series of competitions in South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.“What happened at the last event is definitely still on my mind, but being able to prove myself again in this tournament is like a dream come true,” stated Thitikul.
Jeeno Thitikul
