MIAMI: Lilia Vu (pic) secured her fourth LPGA title of the year at The Annika, shooting a four-under par 66 to claim victory by three strokes and regain the world’s top ranking.
The Californian golfer had five birdies and one bogey at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
Vu overtook overnight leader Emily Kristine Pedersen of Denmark, whose bid for her first US LPGA title faltered with two bogeys and a closing double-bogey, leaving her tied for fifth.
Lilia Vu’s triumph adds to her successful year, including wins in Thailand, the Chevron Championship, and the Women’s Open.
The victory will propel her to the top of the world rankings, replacing China’s Yin Ruoning.
Vu, who shares the lead for Player of the Year with Celine Boutier, emphasised the challenges of each win and highlighted the importance of not giving up.
She credited her caddie’s encouragement during the back nine, where she rebounded from a lone bogey at the 12th with crucial birdies at the 15th and 16th.
Vu reflected on the valuable lesson of perseverance she learned during her breakthrough season.
The Tour Championship, the season-ending event, is up next, where Vu and Boutier will continue to contend for top honours. – AFP
