Chinese golfer Feng Shanshan dominates Buick Championship

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, May 10, 2015
Adjust font size:

China's Feng Shanshan captured her first win of the year on Sunday when the world No. 5 closed with two-under 70 to cruise to a commanding six-stroke victory at the 600,000-US-dollar Buick Championship.

The Guangdong native finished at 17-under 271 to earn 82,500 dollars for her 14th professional victory worldwide in the China LPGA Tour-Ladies European Tour co-sponsored event. She pocketed an extra 15,000 dollars for helping her team win the pro-am competition.

South Korean Kang Hyeon-seo (69) was a distant second at Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club, while Denmark's Nicole Broch Larsen (70) was third, nine shots off Feng's winning mark.

After opening up a six-shot lead through the first two rounds, the 25-year-old Feng played conservative golf in the windy conditions over the weekend. Her final round included six birdies and three bogeys after starting with a double-bogey six on the opening hole.

"I was not actually nervous at all at the first hole. It's just misjudgement about the wind, hit in the bunker and three putts," she said.

"Then I got nervous because the gap between me and the second place is like from seven to five (shots). So it's a little bit nervous. I think I did pretty well at the last few holes."

Feng, who closed with consecutive birdies, said she was happy to win in China. It was her third victory on home soil and her second LET win, in an event staged by her sponsor Buick.

"It's the first year this tournament has become a LET (co-sponsored) event. I came back just support this tournament and didn't set any goals. At the end, I played very well and won. I wanted Buick to be proud of me."

Kang, ranked 334th in the world, equalled her career best finish after tying for second at the Hero Women's Indian Open in December. Her round today included four birdies, three of them which came in the first five holes, and a lone birdie.

"I feel very happy," said Kang, who joined the China LPGA Tour last season after playing seven seasons on the LPGA Tour of Korea.

"Today my putting is really hot and my iron play is OK. The driver is not good, but I'm happy for my performance.

Notable scores saw first-round leader Stacey Keating of Australia rebound for a 68 to finish equal fourth 10 shots back, while US LPGA Tour regular Lin Xiyu, China's No. 2, shot an even-par 72 to sit equal 16th. England's Charley Hull, last year's LET order of merit winner, was tied for 18th after a 75, while defending champion Pan Yanhong of China was tied for 27th after a 71.

China's Jin Man (73) was the top amateur at five-over par. Endi

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter