Monday, Oct. 12, 2009
KIRYU, Gunma Pref. (Kyodo) U.S. LPGA star Ai Miyazato overturned a five-shot deficit to capture her first title on the Japanese tour in three years on Sunday with victory at the Sankyo Ladies Open.
The 24-year-old from Okinawa shot a final-round 68 to close on 4-under 284, one stroke ahead of South Korean overnight leader Jeon Mi Jeong and Mayu Hattori.
Miyazato's first win since the 2006 Miyagi TV Cup Dunlop Ladies Open and 15th overall on the JLPGA circuit earned her 10.8 million yen in prize money.
Miyazato has enjoyed a stellar season on the U.S. tour this year. She claimed her maiden LPGA title at the Evian Masters in July and has had a total of 12 top 10 finishes, including a tie for third place at the Women's British Open.
