New York: Kim Sei-Young continued her superb play in play-offs by defeating Carlota Ciganda Sunday on the first extra hole to earn her second victory of the season at the Meijer LPGA Classic.
The 23-year-old South Korean improved to 3-0 in play-offs after closing with a three-under 68 to claim her fifth career USLPGA Tour crown. Both her previous playoff wins came in 2015.
Kim managed to shake off a bogey on 18 which set the stage for the play-off in Belmont, Michigan.
“I set my goal of no bogeys and the last one I missed with a bogey,” Kim said.
“But I bounced back so it was good work. I did well today.”
Kim and Spain’s Ciganda finished regulation tied at 17-under par 267. Ciganda shot a final round four-under 67.
Kim rolled in a birdie on the play-off hole after finding the tall grass on her drive. Ciganda’s second shot sailed over the green while Kim landed her approach three feet from the pin. Ciganda finished with a bogey.
“It was 109 yards to the pin. I did it, it worked,” said Kim.
Ciganda, from Spain, parred the final five holes in a bogey-free round.
She remained winless on the tour and picked up her fourth runner-up finish.
“One person has to win and if you can’t win, second is the best,” Ciganda said.
“I’ll keep trying and just keep playing golf.”
South Korea’s Chun In-Gee, who was tied for the third-round lead with defending champion Lexi Thompson, had a 71 to finish third at 15 under. She bogeyed two of the first four holes.
Thompson, who played through the pain of a sore back, shot a 72 to tie for fourth with top-ranked Lydia Ko at 14 under. Ko, of New Zealand, shot a 68.
Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, third last week after winning her previous three tournaments, tied for 18th at seven under after a 68.
