Suzuki clinches Japan Classic for breakthrough LPGA title
SHIGA: Overnight leader Ai Suzuki shot a bogey-free five-under-par 67 yesterday to win the Japan Classic by three strokes for her first LPGA career victory.
Suzuki carded her fifth birdie of the day on the par-five 18th hole at the Seta Golf Course to finish with a 17-under 199, three shots ahead of South Korea’s Kim Hyo-Joo (66).
Suzuki became the second straight Japanese winner of the Japan Classic following Nasa Hataoka’s success last year. With the win, Suzuki, a regular on the JLPGA, becomes eligible for LPGA Tour membership.
“To be able to win this tournament, it’s truly like a dream,” said Suzuki, who won the Hisako Higuchi Mitsubishi Electric Ladies Golf Tournament in Saitama last week.
“This one is special because it’s a US LPGA Tour event,” she added. “It’s beyond Japan, an international event.”
Kim made a late charge as she birdied her last three holes for her 12th top-10 finish of the season and third runner-up result finishing at 14-under 202.
“Next week I will practise more, and then workout a bit hopefully same for CME, top 10,” said the Korean star.
Australia’s Minjee Lee finished in third place at 11-under 205 after shooting a 68 in the final event of the LPGA Tour’s Asia Swing.
Jennifer Kupcho of the United States was tied for fourth with Jing Yan of China after a 68 left her seven strokes back.
Gaby Lopez, who started the final round in second place three strokes back, offset a pair of birdies with two bogeys for an even-par 72 that left her tied for sixth place with three others including two-time Japan Classic winner Feng Shanshan of China (70).
American Lexi Thompson, making her first start since the Indy Women in Tech Championship in September, was tied for 24th place after a 71.
Defending champion Hataoka shot a 70 and finished at one-over 217 in tied 52nd.