Yani Tseng wins ISPS Handa Australian Open
Rebecca Coakley of Team Ireland opened with a double bogey on the final day of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open in rain stricken Melbourne to card a two over par round of 75 and finish level par for the tournament in her first outing of 2011 season.
After an opening round of 68 the weekend promised more for Coakley but rounds of 76, 73 and 75 leaving the Carlow golfer sixteen strokes off the winner, and defending champion, Yani Tseng of Taiwan.
Tseng became just the second player in the championship’s history to successfully defend her title with a seven stroke win at the Commonwealth Golf Club on Sunday.
The 22 year old, who was named Rolex Player of the Year in 2010, fired a final round 2-under par 71 to finish with rounds of 70-67-68-71 (276).
“It feels very good to win by seven shots. I have not had that feeling before and it feels very good. And I enjoyed the crowd on the 18th hole,” Tseng said.
“I just feel more confident and relaxed. Before I was thinking too much and trying to win. Now I know I don't need it. I stay focused on my swing and play one shot at a time. I know I can win.”
Tseng said she was looking forward to defending her title in 2012.
“I always enjoy it here. I love the city, I love the people and all the volunteers. They are very nice to me.”
World Number 1 Jiyai Shin, Korean Eun Hee Ji and England’s Melissa Reid finished in a tie for second.
Reid shot the equal best round of the day with a 5-under par 68. Ji and Shin finished with final rounds of 74 (+1) and 75 (+2) respectively.
Round 1 co-leader Jennifer Song finished in fifth place following her final round 2-under par 71.
Germany’s Sandra Gal finished with an even par 73 in sixth place.
Australia’s leading pair were Karrie Webb and Katherine Hull who finished in a tie for seventh with American Cindy LaCrosse at 5-under par.
Thirteen year old New Zealander Lydia Ko finished in a tie for 12th place as the leading amateur.
