Thitikul crowned LPGA Shanghai champion after epic playoff

Jeeno Thitikul Crowned Champion in Shanghai After Thrilling Playoff

SHANGHAI – Jeeno Thitikul staged an epic comeback to conquer the LPGA Shanghai, becoming the first player to win two LPGA tournaments this season. The Thai golfer, overcoming a four-stroke deficit with five holes to play, forced a playoff against Minami Katsu and sealed the victory with an extraordinary shot on the fifth playoff hole. Thitikul, world number one, delivered a card of 63 strokes, the best round of the day, including seven birdies and an eagle. Her impressive performance, with a total of 24 under par (264 strokes), reduced the lead that seemed comfortable for Katsu, leader at the beginning of the day. Katsu, with a round of 65, had started the day with a two-stroke lead and extended it to four after the 13th hole. However, Thitikul responded with birdies on holes 14, 15 and 16, and a spectacular eagle on the 17th hole, tying the score. Katsu managed a birdie on the 17th hole, but missed a crucial attempt on the final hole, leading to the playoff.

In the first four playoff holes, played on the 18th and 10th, both golfers tied. Katsu had two birdie opportunities to win, but her shots grazed the hole.

The tiebreaker was resolved on the fifth hole, when Thitikul, with a brilliant approach, left the ball a meter from the hole. Katsu, for his part, failed to get close to the green on the 18th hole. Katsu’s chip for birdie didn’t go in, leaving Thitikul the opportunity to secure the victory with a simple putt. This victory comes almost two years after Thitikul lost in a nine-hole epic playoff at the LPGA Malaysia.

“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’m carrying nothing on my shoulders,” said Thitikul.

Jeeno Thitikul

This victory is the second of the season for Thitikul, after winning the Mizuho Americas Open in May, and served to alleviate the disappointment of her performance at the Kroger Queen City Championship last month. Minjee Lee, winner of her third major title at the Women’s PGA Championship in June, finished in third place with a round of 68 strokes and a total of 19 under par (269 strokes). Jenny Bae, from the United States, with a round of 69 strokes, tied for fourth place with Miyu Yamashita (67 strokes) of Japan and Somi Lee (69 strokes) of South Korea, with a total of 17 under par (271 strokes). The current champion, Ruoning Yin, from China, closed with a round of 68 strokes, tying for 26th place. The Shanghai event is the first of five tournaments in Asia, followed by two weeks in South Korea, including the International Crown team event, and other tournaments in Malaysia and Japan.