Jeeno Thitikul Conquers LPGA Shanghai in Thrilling Playoff
SHANGHAI – Jeeno Thitikul staged an epic comeback, overcoming a four-stroke deficit with five holes to play to force a playoff against Minami Katsu. In a display of exceptional skill, Thitikul sealed her victory at the LPGA Shanghai with an extraordinary shot on the fifth playoff hole, becoming the first player to win two LPGA tournaments in the season. Thitikul’s round, with an impressive 63, was the best of the day, including seven birdies and an eagle. The Thai player finished with a total of 24 under par, 264 strokes, reducing the lead that seemed comfortable for Katsu of Japan, who was leading the competition. Katsu, who had started the day with a two-stroke lead and extended his margin to four after the 13th hole, saw Thitikul close the gap with birdies on holes 14, 15 and 16. A spectacular eagle on the 17th hole, with the ball bouncing on the green of the Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai, tied the score. Katsu, with a 65, could only respond with a birdie on the 17th hole. He had another birdie opportunity on the final hole to secure the victory, but the ball didn’t go in, forcing the playoff. The first four playoff holes, played alternately on holes 18 and 10, saw Katsu miss two birdie putts that would have sealed the victory. In the fifth playoff hole, Thitikul broke the tie with a brilliant approach that left the ball three feet from the hole, while Katsu’s second shot fell short of the green on the par-4 18th hole. Katsu’s chip for birdie was impressive, but it failed, leaving Thitikul with an easy birdie putt to secure a remarkable victory, almost two years after losing in an epic nine-hole playoff against Celine Boutier at the LPGA Malaysia. This is Thitikul’s second victory of the season, after winning the Mizuho Americas Open in May, and it helped to alleviate the disappointment of her inexplicable four-putt collapse on the final hole of the Kroger Queen City Championship last month.Minjee Lee, who won her third major title at the Women’s PGA Championship in June, shot 68 on Sunday for a total of 19 under par, 269, finishing in third place. Jenny Bae of the United States had a round of 69 and finished in a tie for fourth place with Miyu Yamashita (67) of Japan and Somi Lee (69) of South Korea at 17 under par, 271. Defending champion Ruoning Yin of China signed a final round of 68 to finish in a tie for 26th place. The Shanghai event is the first of five tournaments in Asia.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, and I carry nothing on my back.
Jeeno Thitikul
