Xiamen, Fujian Province, China: Angelina Ye Lei produced a flawless performance to capture her first title as a professional, out-duelling Chinese amateur Wang Zixuan down the stretch to win the Orient Women’s China Open by two strokes.

With the 22-year-old rookie pro holding a one-stroke lead over the Beijing teenager going into the final round at Orient (Xiamen) Golf and Country Club, Ye closed with a five-under 67 to Wang’s 68 to put her name on the trophy at the 13th national championship. 

For Stanford graduate Ye, who finished with a 54-hole score of 14-under 202, the win was worth RMB75,000 and earned her six world ranking points. Over the three rounds she did not drop a single stroke in what is the China LPGA Tour’s flagship event. 

It’s the first time in the history of the China LPGA Tour that a player has completed a tournament without dropping a shot

“The most difficult putt was the last putt from three feet. I knew that I had a two-shot lead, but I really wanted to end the event without any bogey. To my great relief, I made it and earned my maiden victory,” said the Shanghai native. 

“I’ve been a pro for five months and have just played six or seven events as a pro. I must say that this win is quick. But my CLPGA debut was 10 years ago when I was 12. In that case, it’s also a long time.” 

China’s Michelle Zhang Yunxuan closed with a 69 to finish third on 205, one shot ahead of fellow rookie pro Fiona Xu (67) of New Zealand. Thai veteran Onkanok Soisuwan (66) was fifth, five strokes off the pace.  

Wang, who battled illness throughout the tournament, said she was thrilled to have her best finish against a pro field, despite missing a birdie putt on the 17th hole and making an errant drive at the last. 

“I missed a five-foot birdie chance on 17 and knew I couldn’t catch up with her (Ye),” said the teenager, 224th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. 

“I am still under the weather. I had a high fever in the morning and cold symptoms on the back nine. I also had a pain in my knee. But I’m thrilled to have my best finish against the best professional players.” 

Texas-based 19-year-old Zhang, winner of this month’s CGA Ladies Championship, lamented a missed opportunity to claim a second straight title. Her round included five birdies and two bogeys while playing in the final group. 

Thailand’s Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong (71) finished equal 27th, just enough to keep Zeng Liqi (68) at bay and capture the China LPGA Tour Order of Merit. With the title comes the right to play events next year on the LPGA of Korea Tour. 

“It’s been a successful year for me. I think I have a lot more confidence in myself,” said the 27-year-old Bueng Kan native who earned RMB278,472 in prize money from nine events. That was RMB31,093 more than runner-up Zeng.