Kang wins second straight Shanghai tourney

Defending champion Danielle Kang shot a bogey-free 2-under 70 on Sunday to repeat as champion at the Buick LPGA Shanghai at Qizhong Garden Golf Club.

Kang, celebrating her 27th birthday, narrowly edged fellow American Jessica Korda by one stroke at 16 under. Korda led by one stroke coming into the day, but shot even par.

“It was a really stressful day,” said Kang. “I definitely played well out there.

“It was really tough because you’re definitely watching what Jessica is shooting and scoring, and always just try to keep in my own game.”

Canada’s Brooke Henderson shot back-to-back 73s in the final two rounds to finish tied for ninth at 9 under.

For Kang, perhaps no shot was more stressful than the final putt, when she had a three-footer for par after coming up short on a birdie attempt.

“I’ve never been more nervous than the last putt for some reason, but I made it,” said Kang.

Korda finished the day with three bogeys and three birdies, failing to build any momentum.

“I just didn’t have any good numbers. I couldn’t get anything going. Everything was half shots. I was either short or I was long,” said Korda.

China’s Yu Liu had the second-best round of the day at 7-under 65 to finish in a tie for third with Japan’s Nasa Hataoka (68) and American rookie Kristen Gillman (68) at 13 under.

American Megan Khang had an ace on the par 3 No. 11 on her way to an 8-under 64, which tied the 18hole scoring record. She finished in a tie for seventh with Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn (67).

Justin Thomas made a clutch birdie on No. 18 to beat South Korean-born New Zealander Danny Lee by two strokes Sunday at The CJ Cup at Nine Bridges.

Thomas made a two-putt birdie on the final hole to finish at 5-under 67 for the day and 20-under-par 268. Lee missed his eagle putt and settled for birdie in the event at Jeju Island, South Korea.

Canada’s Corey Conners posted his best round (66) on Sunday to finish tied for 12th at 11 under.

It was the 11th PGA Tour title and second CJ Cup title for Thomas.

Lee and Thomas entered the day tied in the limited-field event with no cut after drama on the 18th hole the day before.

In Saturday’s round, Thomas actually was in position to hold a three-shot lead before carding a bogey at the 18th, while Lee sank an eagle putt to leave both tied at 15-under.