Mi Hyang Lee is back: After almost nine years, she claims the LPGA title in Hainan!
What a comeback, golfers! Mi Hyang Lee secures victory on the LPGA Tour. And that's after an incredibly long drought of almost nine years! The Blue Bay Event in Hainan, China, was intense, but Lee ultimately triumphed by a single stroke. A performance to savor.
The South Korean, who had to endure two double bogeys on her front nine, showed incredible composure. With a birdie on the final hole – what a statement! – she closed out the round with a 73, securing her third LPGA title. What a fantastic round!
Lee finished with an 11-under 277 on her scorecard. That was a one-stroke lead over China's Zhang Weiwei, who applied significant pressure with a very strong 69. But Lee remained undeterred.
For the 32-year-old Lee, it was her first LPGA Tour title since the 2017 Women's Scottish Open. She had also won the 2014 TOTO Japan Classic – so she had previously shown her winning capabilities.
Despite shoulder pain, the lady made a statement: "I trusted myself this morning, but I was... I felt nervous. I really wanted to win," Lee said after the triumph. Respect, golfers!
Lee had started the final round with a three-shot lead. But after the two double bogeys on the front nine? She admitted that she "really struggled."
"After that, it was a constant up and down... but I just kept fighting on the back nine, made no bogeys, and scored three birdies. I'm really proud of myself," she continued. What a mental giant!
Her conclusion? "I still can't believe it. It just feels great." We believe you, Mi Hyang, that was an incredible round!
By the way, Aditi Ashok from India and Auston Kim from the United States both finished in a tie for third place, both at eight-under. Defending champion Rio Takeda from Japan found herself one shot behind in a four-way tie for fifth place. Fantastic effort, ladies!
