(31 May 2010 – Nagaoka, Nigata Prefecture, Japan)
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World No.23 Mi-Jeong Jeon cruised to a five shot victory at the Yonex Ladies Golf Tournament on Sunday. The Korean collected her first title of the year and 14th overall, after finishing on 9-under par total 207. Japan’s Ayako Uehara finished in outright second with compatriot Mika Miyazato a shot behind her in third.
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rnJeon entered the final round at 8-under par, a commanding four shot lead over Miyazato, with Uehara and Yuki Ichinose one shot back on 3-under. While Jeon could concentrate on just playing solid golf, the chasing pack had to try and make something happen to put some pressure on the runaway leader. However, no pressure eventuated; Miyazato making a bogey on the 2nd only to follow up with 16 straight pars, Ichinose notched up 5 bogeys and no birdies while Uehara was up and down and making no inroads into Jeon’s lead.
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rnJeon traded two birdies with two bogeys on the front nine to remain at 8-under par and holding a 5-shot cushion with nine to play. She stretched that to six shots with a birdie at the 11th, then she bogied the 15th, got it back with a birdie on 16 and waltzed to a comfortable victory with two pars. It was a welcome turnaround for Jeon, who had posted a best finish for the season of 4th, which is a mediocre return for a player of her calibre. This win represents her 14th career title since she turned professional in 2005.
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rnJeon moved up to 9th on the Money List, a position more suitable to her abilities. She hasn’t finished lower than 6th since finishing 2nd in 2006. Last year’s winner Sakura Yokomine continues to lead the Money List, ¥5million ahead of Korea’s Inbee Park.
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rnAustralia&aposs Nikki Campbell had an up-and-down tournament with rounds of 76, 66 and 76. Her second round was the lowest of the tournament by two shots and moved her into contention for a Top-5 finish. Unfortunately a 4-over par final round meant she finished in tie for 19th.
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Photos courtesy of LPGA of Japan.