(5 May 2009 – Chiba, Japan)
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Japan&aposs Chie Arimura remained solid on the back nine to ward off her challengers to win the Crystal Geyser Ladies Golf Tournament in Japan on Sunday. A final round of 2-under par 70 was enough to secure victory by three strokes from Japan’s Sakura Yokomine with compatriots Mie Nakata and Yuko Saitoh tied for third, a further two shots behind.
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rnWhile a three shot victory may seem relatively comprehensive, Arimura was pushed all the way and was at one stage one shot behind Saitoh. Having started the final round tied for the lead at 7-under par, Arimura and Saitoh both played the front nine in level par. Yokomine had made up two shots and was now just two behind. When Arimura made bogey at the 11th hole, Saitoh held a one shot lead with six holes to play.
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rnFrom there, Saitoh’s round started to unravel at the 13th hole where she made bogey, with Arimura making birdie to take a one shot lead. Saitoh then made a double bogey at the 14th to fall out of contention and it appeared the hugely talented Yokomine would challenge. However, she could only make pars until the 18th and posed no real threat.
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rnAfter the 13th, Arimura made further birdies at the 15th and 18th holes to complete her second LPGA of Japan victory, winning her first at the Promise Ladies in June 2008. After receiving her trophy and the winner’s cheque for ¥12,600,000 (approx AUD$172,000.00) Arimura cited an up-and-down for par on the 14th as the key to her victory, saying, “That was a huge par save. My practice really paid off.” She went on to say, “When I first won last year, I thought the second win would come sometime soon. But it was a long, tough road from there. I want to be a perennial title contender.”
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Tamie Durdin was the lone Aussie in the field. Following her maiden victory the week before, she was again in contention after an opening round of 3-under par 69. However, two subsequent rounds of 3-over par 75 saw her finish in a tie for 30th at 3-over par 219.
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Photo by Anthony Powter – Tamie Durdin