Minjee Lee of Australia wrapped up her first LPGA victory on Monday, completing three holes to finish a 65 for a two-shot win at the rain-delayed Kingsmill Championship in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The 18-year-old former top-ranked amateur made a three-putt bogey at the 16th hole when play resumed, but parred the last two holes to finish on 15-under 269 for the victory over Ryu So-yeon of South Korea, who shot a 67 for 271.
Kaohsiung-born US player Candy Kung shot a final round of 66 to finish with an eight-under 276 and a share of eighth position.
Photo: AFP
Asked how she felt about getting her maiden win on the tour, Lee said: “Pretty damn good.”
Lee, who shot in the 60s for all four rounds, became the seventh player ever to win on the LPGA Tour before her 19th birthday and moved up 40 spots in the world rankings to No. 19.
Tour rookie Lee returned to the Kingsmill course with a four-stroke lead after making five birdies and an eagle at the 15th after a two-hour weather delay on Sunday.
“I three-putted the 16th and I was like ‘ugh, let’s make two pars and get out of here.’ I was nervous but I’m glad I could get the win,” Lee said.
Ryu made a run upon her return with birdies on three of her last four holes to move to 13-under.
American Alison Lee birdied the 15th when she resumed play to cut the Australian’s lead in half. Needing an eagle on the 18th hole to force a playoff, she nearly found the water off the tee and made a bogey to finish third at 12-under par.
“I’m really happy for Minjee,” Alison Lee said. “We have had like a little rivalry since we were young. So proud of her.”
Additional reporting by staff writer
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely