(6 April 2009 – Fukuroi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan)
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rnSouth Korea&aposs Ah-Reum Hwang captured her first title on the LPGA of Japan with an emphatic 8-shot victory in the Yamaha Ladies Open Katsuragi on Sunday. Three players were tied for second; Taiwan&aposs Julie Lu, Japan&aposs Erina Hara and Korea&aposs Ji-Woo Lee.
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rnHwang began the final round with a slender 1-shot advantage but reeled off seven birdies in a flawless final round. She began her charge on the 4th hole and had four birdies in a five hole stretch to basically seal the championship. She eased to victory over the final nine with further birdies at the 11th, 15th and 18th holes, finishing the tournament at 11-under par 205, well clear of the chasing pack. Afterwards, an elated Hwang said, “Getting my first title was my main objective for the season but it has come much quicker than I expected.”
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rnNikki Campbell was the only Australian in the field this week and she finished a respectable tied 7th at 1-over par total 217. Apart from a poor finish to her second round where she dropped three shots in her last three holes, this was another good finish for the native of Canberra.
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Photo by Anthony Powter – Nikki Campbell.