(6 February 2011 – Melbourne, Australia)
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Taiwan&aposs Yani Tseng became just the second player in Women&aposs Australian Open history to successfully defend her title with a seven stroke win at the 2011 ISPS Handa Women&aposs Australian Open at Commonwealth Golf Club in Melbourne.
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The 22 year old, 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). Afterwards she said, "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."
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She said the win set her up for her tilt at the top spot on the Rolex World Rankings this year. "I just feel more confident and relaxed. Before I was thinking too much and trying to win. Now I know I don&apost need it. I stay focused on my swing and play one shot at a time. I know I can win."
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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."
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Rolex World No.1 Jiyai Shin, Korean Eun Hee Ji and England&aposs 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
rnShin finished with final rounds of 74 (+1) and 75 (+2) respectively. Round 1 co-leader Jennifer Song finished in outright fifth place following her final round 2-under par 71.
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Germany&aposs Sandra Gal finished with an even par 73 in sixth place while Australia&aposs 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.
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The ALPG Tour continues this week with the ANZ RACV Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast.
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