Saturday, December 7, 2013

Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum produces stunning finish to pip Stacey Lewis to Omega Dubai Ladies Masters title


Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum claimed the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters title in brilliant fashion on Saturday, edging out world number three Stacy Lewis in a final-round duel.

British Open winner Lewis began the day with a two-shot lead and led by three when she birdied the second, third, eighth and 10th to improve to 15-under-par.

Phatlum reduced the gap with birdies on the 13th and 14th but Lewis looked to have struck a decisive blow when she hit her approach to the 17th to five feet.

However, Phatlum's second shot was even better and after Lewis had missed, the 24-year-old holed for birdie to draw level before an even better approach to the par-five 18th left her a tap-in birdie to complete a superb 66 and seal victory.

Lewis had missed from long range to force a play-off and had to settle for a closing 69, with Spain's Carlota Ciganda a distant third, seven shots adrift.

English teenager Charley Hull finished in a tie for eighth place to secure rookie of the year honours on the Ladies European Tour.

"I am very excited. I just played my own game and stayed calm under pressure," Phatlum said. "I have learned how to stay focused through meditation which I practice with my brother, who caddies for me.

"When I'm on the course I just play my game and I didn't think about the win. I don't want to pressure myself."

Lewis said: "I'm disappointed. The back nine that Pornanong played was pretty impressive. She hit golf shots when she needed to and made the putts and I didn't. It's been a really good year. It's had its highs and lows. I've played some really consistent golf."

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