Amanda Tan displays the spoils of victory.
Beijing: Teenager
Amanda Tan fought off a late challenge from
Saranporn Langkulgasettrin to capture the BridgeCC CLPGA Beijing Heritage title in a play-off. It was the teenager’s maiden professional victory and the first win by a Singaporean on the China LPGA Tour.
Tan appeared to be coasting to victory at Beijing Orient Tianxing Country Club thanks to a birdie blitz that saw her pick up five strokes over the first six holes of the back nine to open up a seemingly unassailable three-shot lead.
But Thai Saranporn staged a spirited late surge, closing with three straight birdies to card a 68 and force extra time. There was a two-stroke swing in the Thai’s favour at 18 where Tan made a nervy bogey-six to sign for a 67 and a three-round aggregate of 13-under 203.
In the play-off at hole 18, the 18-year-old Tan quickly ended it with a birdie as Saranporn misread her putt and could only muster par. The victory was worth RMB30,000 (about (US$5,000).
She said: “I feel excited and happy. It has been a long time since I have won, not only as a pro but as an amateur as well. It gives me lots of confidence. I’m ready for the next event. I really want to share this good news with my parents.”
Tan, who turned pro in February, credited her strong putting for the win and her iron play for being able to get close to the holes. She admitted to feeling pressure on the final hole of regulation and missing her putt.
“In the play-off I didn’t think too much about being the champion. Saranporn had won two titles already and had more experience than I do. I just focused on my shots.”
Saranporn, the 17-year-old Phuket native who won the Wuhan and Zhuhai legs this year, said she felt great about her game – apart from her putting. She lamented making bogey at holes 11 and 13 and missing a birdie putt at the 15
th hole.
Chinese amateur
Wang Xinying (72) finished a distant third at six shots back, one stroke ahead of a group that included compatriots
Wang Mengzhu (69) and
Sui Xiang (69), Thais
Wannasiri Sirisampant (67) and
Tiranan Yoopan (71) and Korean
Park Jin-hee (66).
Bae In-ji carded a hole-in-one at the 156-yard 16th to help the Korean to a 73 and equal-15th finish.