WUHAN : Kusuma Meechai saved the best for last as the Thai teenager fired a two-under-par 70 in the final round yesterday to win the Wuhan Challenge by one stroke for her first professional title.
Kusuma Meechai
Two late bogeys relegated China's Shang Linyan (69) to runner-up in the RMB500,000 tournament at Orient Wuhan Golf Club, while Thailand's Ajira Nualraksa (71) was third, two shots back in the China LPGA Tour event.
Overnight leader Pan Yanhong of China finished fourth, four shots off the pace after soaring to a 75.
Kusuma, an 18-year-old from Sa Kaeo province, started her round two shots off the lead. She carded four birdies against two bogeys in the hot conditions in the Hubei capital for a three-day total of one-under 215.
"It feels really good like a dream come true," said the third-year pro who took home RMB75,000.
"It wasn't difficult out there, but it wasn't easy either. I just played my own game and did not look at the leaderboard."
Kusuma, who lost in a play-off last month in a domestic event in Thailand, cited a rebound at the 15th hole as the turning point in her round.
After making a bogey at the 14th hole, she nearly drove the green at the next, setting up a chip and a putt for birdie.
"I drive the ball, on average, about 280 yards," she said. "That, along with my putting, was really good all week. I pulled the driver out my bag [at the tight 18th hole] because I was confident with my driver and it was a good choice."
Shanghai-based Shang, who carded an eagle and four birdies but also three bogeys, said her three-under-par score was acceptable, considering how she played.
"I tried my best and felt a little bit disappointed," she said.
LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES
(China unless stated, *denotes amateur)
215 _ Kusuma Meechai (THA) 73-72-70
216 _ Shang Linyan 74-73-69
217 _ Ajira Nualraksa (THA) 73-73-71
218 _ Pan Yanhong 68-75-75
219 _ Guo Caizhu 72-75-72, Luo Ying* 73-74-72
220 _ Zhang Na 73-75-72, Pavarisa Yoktuan (THA) 72-74-74
Shang Linyan