KYODO NEWS - Apr 25, 2022 - 21:06 | Sports, All
Japan's Nasa Hataoka shot a commanding 4-under 67 in the final round to run away with a five-stroke victory and her sixth LPGA title Sunday at the DIO Implant LA Open.
The 23-year-old from Ibaraki Prefecture started the last day with a four-stroke lead over Australia's Hannah Green after also carding 67 in the third round at Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles.
She completed the tournament 15-under, finishing ahead of Green at 10-under and a trio of players -- Swede Madelene Sagstrom, Australian Minjee Lee and South Korea's Inbee Park -- a further three strokes back in a tie for third.
Her four-round total of 269 was a stroke off the tournament record set last year by Canadian Brooke Henderson.
"I did have a lead (starting the day), but with this challenging course, you never know what's going to happen," Hataoka said in her press conference following the final round. "I was able to focus until the last putt."
Hataoka started the final round confidently, sinking a 10-meter birdie putt on the first hole. She also birdied 4, 5 and 7, bogeyed 6 and 18, and shot superbly for eagle on the par-5 15th.
"That was a pretty long birdie putt (on the first hole)," Hataoka said. "I didn't think it was going to roll down but it was a good way to start."
She effectively sealed the win with the eagle, reaching the green in two and nailing a tough 10-meter putt before pumping her fist in celebration.
"That eagle on 15 really gave me a sense of relief. My putting helped me a lot this week," added Hataoka.
Japan's Yuka Saso tied for 17th at 3-under, Ayaka Furue tied for 43rd at 2-over and 2019 Women's British Open winner Hinako Shibuno tied for 63rd at 6-over.
The win is a step in the right direction for Hataoka, who had not finished in the top 10 this season prior to the weekend but was the only player here to shoot below 70 in each of the four rounds.
She will be chasing her first major title in early June at the U.S. Women's Open Championship, the tournament in which she came second in 2018 and third in 2020 before she settled for second again last year after a playoff defeat to Saso.
"I hadn't been able to play in a stable manner throughout four days (this season) so to come below 70 throughout a week here was big," said Hataoka, who shot 67 and 68 in her first two rounds.
"I'll try to peak at the right time (for the U.S. Open), I wouldn't do so badly if I can continue doing things that are working now. I believe I can win a major too if I can manage the courses properly."
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KYODO NEWS - Aug 12, 2022 - 16:18 | Sports, All
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