(29 June 2009 – Dublin, Ireland)
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Italy&aposs Diana Luna played three almost flawless rounds of links golf to take out the Euro500,000.00 AIB Ladies Irish Open by four shots. Posting just two bogeys in 54 holes, she finished at 11-under par total 205, with a trio of players in a tie for second; Sweden’s Sophie Gustafson, England’s Florentyna Parker and Gwladys Nocera of France.
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rnWith the fickle Irish weather producing two lengthy fog delays, Luna coped best with the stop-start nature of the final day. Not having won an event for five years, she showed no signs of feeling the pressure, hitting all 18 greens in regulation. She started the final day with just a one stroke advantage over Gustafson, but three birdies and no bogeys on the outward nine saw her stretch that lead to four shots after nine holes. Another birdie on the 13th countered a mini-charge by the big hitting Swede, who had moved within three shots after birdies at the 11th and 12th. Both players played the final five holes in five straight pars, allowing Luna to enjoy her walk up the 18th.
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rnCommenting on her consistent play on the final day, she said, “I am very happy with the way I played. I hit 18 greens and was always putting. I never had to chip the whole way round so it was a great day for me.” Her second tour victory assures her a place in the Evian Masters in France next month and moves her up to second on the Henderson Money List
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rnIn a better tournament for the ALPG contingent, only three players failed to make the cut. Frances Bondad was the best placed finisher after posting a final round of 2-under par 70 to finish in a tie for 10th. She moved up 9 places on the Henderson Money List into 31st with season earnings of €18,759.03. Lynn Brooky was the next best placed, finishing in a tie for 26th at 3-over par total 219, also moving up the Money List, from 69th to 49th. Nikki Garrett, Joanne Mills and Dana Lacey all finished in a tie for 36th at 5-over par total 221, while Rebecca Coakley (T52) and Lisa Jean (T65) also made the cut.
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rnThe LET moves to Norway this week for the €200,000 SAS Masters.