In an exciting day at the FM Championship, Miranda Wang conquered her first LPGA title, surpassing the world number one and demonstrating a remarkable ability to react in crucial moments. Wang, who carded a 70, two-under-par, edged out Jeeno Thitikul by one stroke.
A Newcomer with Character
The Chinese golfer, who had previously been key in Duke’s victory at the 2019 NCAA championship, expressed her excitement after the victory.Thitikul, who had recently reached number one in the world, was seen as the rival to beat, but Wang showed her mettle in the final holes. The pressure intensified when Wang missed a birdie putt on the 12th hole and then suffered a bogey on the 15th, temporarily losing the lead. However, Wang regained his composure and took advantage of Thitikul’s mistakes on the 17th hole, where a bogey cost her the lead. On the final hole, Wang secured the victory with a par, while Thitikul, after a mistake in his approach, settled for par. Rose Zhang, who played in the final group with Wang, celebrated the victory with champagne, marking the eleventh triumph of a rookie golfer on the LPGA this year. Wang had set the tone for his victory on Thursday, with eight birdies in the first nine holes. His confidence grew with the putter, and he maintained a three-stroke lead 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
Sei Young Kim finished in third place, three strokes behind Wang. Andrea Lee also turned in a card of 70 strokes and finished one stroke further back. The LPGA now prepares for the Kroger Queen City Championship in Cincinnati.“In the second nine holes of the first round, I started hitting very good shots. I felt that this could be my week. I worked very hard and didn’t give up.”
Miranda Wang
