Sylvania: Danielle Kang completed back-to-back LPGA Tour triumphs with a one-shot victory at the Marathon Classic on Sunday after former world No.1 Lydia Ko suffered a dramatic late collapse.
Ko, who had started the final round four shots clear, looked to be cruising to victory after opening up a five-shot lead with six holes to play at Highland Meadows in Ohio.
But the 23-year-old New Zealander, chasing a first win in two years, endured a nightmare finish down the stretch that included bogeys on the 14th and 16th before a disastrous double-bogey seven on the 18th.
Ko's stumble allowed Kang to sneak in and claim victory by one shot only a week after her win at last week's Drive On Championship in Toledo, the first LPGA event after a five-month Covid-19 hiatus.
"My caddie looked at me and said, 'You're right in it'," Kang said afterwards. "I looked at him and said, 'I'm five down with six holes to go.' I kind of liked that mentality, made some good birdies coming in and kept it together."
Kang finished with a three-under-par 68 for a 15 under aggregate 269.
Ko posted a two-over-par 73 to finish tied for second alongside England's Jodi Ewart Shadoff on 14 under.
It was cruel finale for Ko, who had started steadily with two birdies and seven pars to reach the turn at two under for the day.
Moriya, Ariya back in action
Thai sisters Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn will return to competition this week at the Ladies Scottish Open at North Berwick which begins Thursday.
They will then take part in the Women's British Open, a major event, at Royal Troon in Scotland next week.
Ariya has won both tournaments in the past.