Laura Davies won the Hero Honda Women's Indian Open at the first playoff hole involving Thailand's Nontaya Srisawang, yesterday’s leader, South Africa's Tandi Cuningham, and Sweden's Louise Friberg - .to put her challenge back on track for another Henderson Money List title - with the €500,000 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters in Dubai from December 8th -11th at the Emirates Golf Club next on the list.
After an average second round on Friday Davies fought her way back to finish the final round with a 2-under 70 to tie with Nontaya, Cuningham and Friberg.
France's Cassandra Kirkland was the sole finisher on fifth spot with a total of 214. She played a final round of one-over 73, while defending champion Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand (who was going for a hat-trick) and Italy's Veronica Zorzi finished joint sixth with 215 total.
In the playoff, Davies was on the par-5, 18th for two and two-putted for a birdie that gave her the title. Incidentally it was the same hole that resurrected her round during regulation play when she eagled to keep her title hopes alive.
Nontaya was three-on and two putted for a par while the two other players Cuningham and Friberg hit their balls into the water.
"I love the 18th. It gave me life, it gave me money and it gave me the title. I'll remember this hole for a long, long time. It was my third win in 15 playoffs," said Davies, who is just over Eur32,444 short of Pace's earning on the Henderson Money List.
"This means I have to win in Dubai to surpass Lee-Anne's earnings," said Davies.
However, it was a lucky outing for Nontaya who is scheduled to leave for Spain next week to play in the first stage of LET Q-school. But her second place today ensured her a top 80 spot on the LET Money List and this means she need not have to go to Spain next week for the Q-school.
"It was so close and yet so far for me. I led till the 15th hole but the bogey on the 16 ended my hope of winning my maiden professional title since I turned professional in 2006," said Nontaya from Chiangmai who felt sad for her dad who has been carrying her bag since she started playing in amateur and professional competitions.
Cuningham was more than happy with her finish. I have good plans lined out for the year-end Christmas holidays with my husband, but more importantly my performance here have given me a new zeal for better results in the 2011 season," she said
Martina Gillen of Team Ireland signed for a 73 to finish in a tie for 35th place on 7 over par.
Rebecca Coakley was one shot further adrift in 41st place on 8 under after a round of 76.
