Singapore: Savouring a serene Sunday at Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong Course, Kim Hyo-joo became the sixth player from Korea to lift the HSBC Women’s World Championship trophy.

With a sparkling final round of eight-under-par 64, the 25-year-old emerged a worthy winner, ending a five-year wait for her fourth LPGA Tour win and claiming the first-place cheque for US$240,000.

“My goal this year was to get a win, and I’m glad I now achieved that. While I was playing on the Korean LPGA Tour last year, I honed my skills and wanted to adapt them to this year on the LPGA,” said Kim, who finished on 17-under-par 271 at Sentosa, a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“Winning after such a long time, it feels like my first win,” added Kim, who ended one stroke ahead of Australian Hannah Green who was left to rue costly bogeys on the final two holes.

A further shot back in joint third were two-time former champion Park In-bee of Korea, big-hitting Thai Patty Tavatanakit and China’s Lin Xiyu, the overnight leader.

Green appeared to have the title in her grasp when she holed out for an eagle-two with her wedge approach to the 14th to take the outright lead. But the 24-year-old from Perth was denied a third LPGA win after her late meltdown in the blazing heat.

“I’m pretty disappointed to have two three-putts to finish. I felt a little nervous on the last. I guess having spectators out there meant something to me. I’m very close. I hope I can continue this momentum and have a good result next week,” said Green, who heads to Siam Country Club for the Honda LPGA Thailand.

A graduate of the CGA-HSBC China Junior Golf programme and a sponsor invite to this year’s tournament, 25-year-old Lin is still seeking her maiden LPGA title. “I’m a little sad, but overall if I think through this week, I’m very grateful for what I’ve done,” said Lin.

Making her tournament debut, 21-year-old Tavatanakit, who shot to fame with her Major victory at last month’s ANA Inspiration, soared into contention with a closing 65. She said: “I’m confident with my game since ANA. I feel like I can compete even more.”