Shanghai:On the verge of claiming her maiden LPGA Tour victory, Choi Hye-jin had to settle for a runner-up finish after losing a late lead at the Buick LPGA Shanghai held at Sheshan Golf Club.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi shot a one-under 71 in the final round, resulting in a four-round total of 10-under 278. Yin Ruoning of China clinched the victory with an 11-under total, after carding a four-under 68 on the final day.
Choi, who joined the LPGA Tour in 2022 after securing 11 wins in South Korea from 2017 to 2020, was aiming for her first LPGA title in her 124th start. This marks her fifth career runner-up finish. Despite not having a victory, Choi has earned over US$7.2 million in her LPGA career, the most by any player without a win.
Starting the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow South Korean Amy Yang at nine-under, Choi birdied the fourth hole to extend her lead. However, consecutive bogeys on the seventh and eighth holes allowed Yin to catch up. Both players birdied the 12th hole, remaining tied at nine-under, while Yang and Japan's Rio Takeda were close behind at seven-under.
Yin took the lead at the 16th hole with a birdie, moving to 10-under, as Choi managed only a par. Yin then increased her lead with another birdie on the 17th. Choi's birdie on the final hole was insufficient as Yin held her ground to secure the win.
Next week, the LPGA Tour continues its Asian swing in South Korea with the BMW Ladies Championship in Haenam, starting Thursday.