Yang edges Li in third-hole playoff

2009-5-24  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

YANG Hongmei claimed her first China LPGA Tour victory yesterday when the Chinese veteran beat compatriot Li Wei on the third hole of a playoff at the US$50,000 Yantai Yangmadao Championship in Yantai, Shandong Province.

After starting the day three shots off the lead, the 33-year-old Yang carded six consecutive pars to finish with a 78 for an aggregate 12-over 228 as the competition faltered around her in the windy but sunny conditions to set up the playoff. With both players registering par on the first two extra holes at the uphill 376-yard 18th hole, Yang's second shot found the green on the third extra hole as Li's attempt was short. The Haikou-based pro, a five-time victor on the old Orient Masters Tour, then sank a 15-foot putt for birdie and the US$7,500 winner's purse. South Korea's Pak Ju-young who briefly shared the final-round lead, finished third after a 78, one shot back.