In an exciting day at the FM Championship, Miranda Wang demonstrated her composure by surpassing the number one in women’s golf and securing her first LPGA title with an impressive performance in the last three holes, culminating in a score of 2 under par (70) and a one-stroke victory over Jeeno Thitikul. Wang became the seventh rookie to win this year, extending a remarkable streak where there have been no multiple winners in the first 23 tournaments of the season.
Thitikul, who had snatched the top spot in the ranking from Nelly Korda three weeks ago, seemed destined to break the streak and thwart Wang’s aspirations. The Thai player achieved a birdie on the 9th hole, getting closer to Wang. Wang showed nervousness when missing a 3-foot birdie putt on the 12th hole. Then, on the 15th hole, her shot from the fairway didn’t reach the green, resulting in a bogey that caused her to lose the lead. However, the Chinese player exhibited remarkable composure in the final holes, with the help of Thitikul. Thitikul, after an aggressive drive on the 17th hole, missed her shot, which forced her to a complicated approach and a bogey. Wang, for her part, missed a 7-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole, but then placed her approach on the 17th at 6 feet from the hole, securing a birdie and regaining the lead. In the final hole, Thitikul opted for a short approach, while Wang achieved a par with two putts, finishing with a total of 20 under par (268). Rose Zhang, who was playing in the final group with Wang, celebrated the victory. Wang set the pace for her first LPGA title on Thursday, with eight birdies in the first nine holes. Her confidence grew with the putter, allowing her to lead by three strokes before the final round.I hope this is the first of many and I will keep working hard. This is a dream come true.
Miranda Wang
Zhang couldn’t keep up the pace, missing birdie opportunities and suffering a double bogey on the 14th hole, falling out of contention. Sei Young Kim (70) finished in third place, three strokes behind Wang. Andrea Lee also shot 70 and finished one stroke further back. Zhang had to settle for a 72, tying for fifth place with Jin Hee Im, who had a bogey-free round of 62. The LPGA has 24 winners in 23 tournaments before heading to Cincinnati for the Kroger Queen City Championship. Korda, winner of seven titles last year, closed with 75 strokes and tied for 35th place, 14 strokes behind Wang.In the last nine holes of the first round, I started making very good shots. I felt that this could be my week. I worked very hard and didn’t give up.
Miranda Wang
