(5 March 2012 – Nanjo, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan)
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She was a relative unknown before this week, but Airi Saito capped a dream week with a playoff victory at the LPGA of Japan’s season-opening Daikin Orchid Ladies on Sunday. In only her 9th tournament as a professional, the 22-year-old&aposs first career title came when Yuko Mitsuka lipped out with her par putt from inside three feet on the second extra hole.
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rnSaito had bogeyed the final two holes of regulation to drop into a three-way playoff with Mitsuka and South Korean veteran Ji Hee Lee, the three players finishing tied at 10-under par 206 after 54 holes.
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rnLee was eliminated after failing to make a birdie at the first extra hole, a repeat of the par-5 18th.
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rnAfter the playoff, Saitoh commented, "I&aposm so happy, and this is unbelievable. I never expected Mitsuka-san to miss a putt like that, so I was thinking of what to do at the third playoff hole. I was surprised to see what happened out there." She earned ¥14.4 million for her win.
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rnOnly Nikki Campbell played from Australia, finishing in a tie for 46th at 1-over par.