(30 April 2012 – Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, Japan)
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Young Japanese star Chie Arimura held on to her overnight lead to win her first title of the LPGA of Japan season in the Cyber Agent Ladies on Sunday. The 24-year-old finished a clear five shots clear of her nearest rival, Sakura Yokomine, while Rikako Morita (Japan) and Jiyai Shin (South Korea) shared third place a further shot back.
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rnArimura started the final day in a tie with South Korea&aposs Ji Woo Lee but posted a bogey-free round of 7-under par 65 to finish at 15-under par to record her 11th career victory. Her stunning final round blew all the challengers away. She made a great start with birdies at the first three holes before a string of pars up to the 10th hole. From there she added birdies at the 11th and 13th holes before a final flurry bookended her round with two birdies at the final two holes.
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Lee faded in the final round with a 74, ending up with a share of ninth place.
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rnArimura, who was the leading Japanese player on the 2011 Money List (3rd), had missed the first three events of the year with a nagging injury to her left wrist. She picked up a winner&aposs check of ¥12.6 million and commented, "I managed to finish the round with a birdie, and it just feels so good to win like this."
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rnShe added, "It&aposs a huge monkey off my back. I couldn&apost be happier. There were some pretty tough times because of the injury to my wrist, but through it all, I learned how to concentrate better on the golf itself."
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rnNikki Campbell was again Australia’s only competitor. She finished in a tie for 23rd at 3-under par.