(15 November 2010 – Chonnan, Chiba Prefecture, Japan)
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Overnight leader Miki Saiki exorcised her Great Island Club ghosts to end a three-year title drought at the Ito En Ladies Golf Tournament on Sunday. Haunted by a late meltdown at this tournament three years ago, Saiki held her nerve to fire a 69 and beat compatriot Mie Nakata by one stroke to claim her first title since her maiden victory at the 2007 Fujisankei Ladies Classic. Korea’s Na-Ri Lee finished outright third a further shot back.
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rnSaiki bogeyed the final two holes in regulation and missed out on the title here in 2007 in a three-way playoff against eventual winner Rui Kitada and Hiromi Mogi. However, this time would be different as she picked up four shots on a flawless front nine before making her first bogey on the 10th. She steadied with a birdie at the 14th hole that gave her a two-shot lead with four holes to play. A three-putt bogey at the 17th left her with slightly frayed nerves as she played the 18th with just a one-shot buffer. However, a regulation par saw her claim victory and her second career win.
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rnWhen questioned about what the win meant to her, she said, “I couldn&apost win after taking my first title and there were times when I thought about packing the game in so I am absolutely overjoyed. I remembered my defeat in the playoff three years ago when I was at the last two holes but I put in extra effort today because I didn&apost want to cry again.” The ¥16,200,000 winner’s cheque moved Saiki up to 6th on the 2010 Money List which is still headed by Korea’s Sun-Ju Ahn who has amassed ¥131,443,799 (approx. AUD$1,610,290) in season earnings with two events remaining.
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rnTamie Durdin was the best of the Australian’s finishing at even par in a tie for 15th. A final round of 3-under par 69 saw her move up from a tie for 36th and she is now assured of finishing in the Top-50 on the Money List to retain her card for 2011. Susie Mathews also made the cut but a disappointing final round of 5-over par 77 saw her go the opposite way to Durdin, finishing in a tie for 45th.