(28 March, 2011 – City of Industry, CA)
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Germany&aposs Sandra Gal overcame former Rolex No.1 Jiyai Shin a final round shootout to win the Kia Classic, notching her first professional win in the process. After starting the day one shot behind, Gal fired a 2-under par 71 to leapfrog Shin into first place and a US$255,000 winner’s cheque. Tied for third place were America’s Cristie Kerr and Korean In Kyung Kim, a distant 5 shots behind the winner.
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rnKnown as the “Final Round Queen,” many thought Shin would run away with victory against someone who hadn’t won before but Gal dug deep all day to prevail in a contest that went down to the wire. On the front nine, it was Gal who kept her composure the best notching nine straight pars while Shin posted three early bogeys at the 2nd, 4th and 6th holes. By the time they reached the turn, it was still just these two players in the hunt as none of the other contenders could mount a challenge. And it was Gal now holding a two-shot lead with nine to play.
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rnBoth players made birdie at the 10th hole before a two-shot swing on the 13th brought them level after Shin’s birdie and a bogey by Gal. Gal stayed in the contest with a brilliant up-and-down from the back of the 14th green before falling one behind when Shin made birdie at the 16th hole and the title looked like it was hers.
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rnGal had other ideas drawing level again on the 16th hole with a birdie before both players made regulation pars at the 17th. So, it was off to the unreachable par-5 18th where both players were in perfect position after two shots. First up, it was Shin who played a sublime wedge to just over 3-feet before Gal bettered that, knocking her wedge to a foot.
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rnEveryone expected a playoff, however Shin’s putt was hit a little firm and horseshoed out to leave Gal with a simple tap-in for her maiden victory. Afterwards, Gal commented, “It was an amazing day. You know, it was close all day long, so I had to dig deep to pull out some shots. I’m just happy to have finally done it.”
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rnKatherine Hull was the best placed of the Australian contingent, finishing in a tie for 32nd at 1-over par. Karrie Webb (T62) and Sarah-Jane Smith (70th) also made the cut, but had difficult weekends on the Pacific Palms Resort layout.
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