Beijing, China: Zeng Liqi earned the third China LPGA Tour title of her young career, inflicting a heart-breaking defeat on rookie pro Ji Yuai at the Beijing Women’s Challenge. 

The win at the second hole of a sudden-death play-off was a surprise for the Nanchang teenager who closed with a two-under 70 in warm and sunny conditions at Beijing Orient Pearl Golf Club.

Ji, the overnight co-leader who was playing her maiden tournament as a professional, appeared to have victory in her grasp with a three-stroke lead going into the final hole of regulation.  

However, on the 499-yard, par-five 18th, Ji found trouble under the lip of a bunker and had to hit out sideways. She then three-putted, missing an eight-footer for bogey to close with a two-over 74.  

Meanwhile, Zeng, playing one group ahead of the leaders, finished strongly with birdies at the final two holes to move up the leaderboard. Both players ended the 54 holes of regulation on six-under 210. 

At the first extra hole, both players found the 18th green in three shots and made two-putt pars.

Playing the 18th again as the second extra hole, Ji appeared to hold the advantage, putting her third shot to within 12 feet of the pin while Zeng, who drove into a hazard, was 40 feet away.

But while Zeng improbably holed out for a birdie, Ji failed to convert her attempt for a matching four.

The win was worth RMB75,000 to Zeng who celebrated her 17th birthday during the first round and moved her to the top of the China LPGA Tour Order of Merit. Her round included three bogeys through the first seven holes, followed by five birdies over the final 11 holes. 

“It’s the most unexpected win I’ve ever had. After I finished my round, I was preparing to celebrate Ji’s win on her professional debut. Who expected such a dramatic finish and that I had another chance in the play-off?” she said. 

“In regulation, I attempted to make a chip-in eagle (on 18) and force Ji into a play-off. I failed and made a four-foot birdie and thought I would be runner-up at best. 

“At the second extra hole, I didn’t lose hope, even if I was at a disadvantage. I had a couple of tricky lies but I made it. Everything went my way.” 

Ji said the loss was ‘heart-breaking’. “The worst part of my game is my putting. I missed too many putts. But I still had a great chance on the last hole (in regulation). Unfortunately, I hit into the bunker,” lamented the 18-year-old from Dalian, winner of last year’s National Junior Championship. 

“But Zeng’s play was amazing. At the second extra hole, she hit one of the best approach shots onto the green. I would say it’s a stressful round. I didn’t feel pressure. I just missed too many putts,” added Ji, whose closing round included two birdies, two bogeys and the deflating double-bogey at 18. 

Zhang Yahui closed with a 72 to finish as the low amateur in equal 11th on even-par 216. Zhang, who represented China at this year’s Queen Sirikit Cup, is 38th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.