Singapore: Making light of heat, humidity and fatigue, Pang Runzhi outlasted her rivals to claim victory in the second edition of the Singapore Ladies Masters.

With darkness rapidly descending on a marathon day for the players at Laguna National Golf Resort Club, it was 17-year-old Pang who took the plaudits in the weather-hit China LPGA Tour event.

Despite some late nerves, teenage rookie pro Pang signed for a closing even-par 72 over the award-winning Masters Course. With a 54-hole aggregate of seven-under 209, she pipped compatriot Cai Danlin by a single stroke.

“I played 33 holes today and it was mentally and physically exhausting. But I took it all in my stride and I’m really happy I managed to get my breakthrough in just my fourth start on the China LPGA,” said Pang, who came through the Tour’s Qualifying School in February.

Due to a combination of rain, thunder and lightning disruptions on the first two days, Pang had only managed to complete three holes of her second round when play was abandoned on Saturday.

That meant a 7.20 am start today. Wiping the sleep from her eyes, Pang proceeded to play the remaining 15 holes in four-under to post a second round 66, matching what proved to be the best round of the week in the US$100,000 tournament.

Following a brief break for lunch, Pang, who posted top-15 finishes in her previous three starts, was back on the first tee, alongside Cai for the shotgun start to the final round.

She reached the turn in even-par 36 to trail Cai by one. But a birdie at 10 saw her draw level and another gain on 12 enabled Pang to leapfrog to the top of the leaderboard for the first time.

With fatigue setting in, both players were forced to dig deep into their reserves of stamina. But it was Tianjin native Pang who held on, making a regulation par at the last.

Cai, who led after the first and second rounds and played 32 holes on the final day, missed out on the chance to force a sudden-death play-off when her final-hole birdie putt from 12 feet stayed above ground.

“I could not hit my shots as far as I wanted to towards the end of the round as it was a very long and tiring day. But congratulations to Pang for being a worthy champion,” said the 21-year-old, who is still seeking her maiden China LPGA Tour win.

Indian Hitaashee Bakshi finished in outright third after signing off with a 71 while Malaysian Jocelyn Chee shared fourth place with the Thai trio of Chonlada Chayanun, Patcharajutar Kongkraphan and Kultida Pramphun.

*Laguna National Golf Resort Club is a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.