Miyazoto wins Evian title in playoff
Ai Miyazato has won her first LPGA Tour title after beating Sophie Gustafson in a playoff at the co-sanctioned Evian Masters in France on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Japanese golfer was tied with joint third-round leader Gustafson after closing with three-under-par 69, while Sweden’s Solheim Cup veteran carded 70 after a long eagle putt at the final fell agonizingly short.
The 35-year-old Gustafson, who has won four LPGA titles and 13 on the Ladies’ European Tour, then missed a birdie putt from the edge of the green at the first extra hole, while Miyazoto was successful with her effort.
The tournament had been incredibly tight, with the lead shared at the end of every round.
South Korea’s Meena Lee recorded nine birdies in her 65 to share third place with American veteran Cristie Kerr (70), finishing one shot behind the leaders on 13-under 275.
Two shots further back, Sweden’s defending champion Helen Alfredsson shot 70 to share fifth place with American Paula Creamer (70) and Australia’s veteran former world No. 1 Karrie Webb (71).
They were a shot ahead of joint overnight leader Na Yeon Choi (71), her fellow South Korean In-Kyung Kim (74) and Japan’s Yuko Mitsuka (70).
Becky Brewerton of Wales, who had also shared the 54-hole lead, slumped with a 76 to finish in a tie for 13th on 280.
Former American teen prodigy Michelle Wie ended with 70 to be tied for 20th on 283, while world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa of Mexico was equal 34th on 286 after carding 73