(18 May 2009 – Fukuoka, Japan)
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Japanese veteran Yuko Saitoh won her second career LPGA of Japan title at the rich Vernal Ladies tournament on Sunday. She fired rounds of 67,70 and 74 to finish on a 5-under par total of 211, three shots clear of a trio of challengers; Japanese duo Miho Koga and Yuri Fudoh and Korea’s Eun-A Lim.
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rnScoring was difficult on the final day which was evidenced by the fact that only two players broke par and no one broke 70. Saitoh started the day with a one shot lead over Fudoh with a host of players within four shots of the lead. Both Fudoh and Saitoh were 2-over for the day after indifferent starts but no one else was making anything happen so they kept their lead. Saitoh forged a two shot lead with a birdie on the 8th before both players made a string of pars. Saitoh went three ahead with a birdie at the 14th and the tournament was hers for the taking. She did falter slightly with bogeys on the 15th and 16th but Fudoh made double at the 15th as well. Two pars to finish saw Saitoh finish a comfortable 3-shot victor pocketing just over AUD$250,000.00. A Member since 1991, Saitoh’s only other tour victory came in 2004 at the Chukyo TV Bridgestone Ladies Open.
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rnNikki Campbell regained her form to finish in a tie for 9th at 2-over par 218. Her weekend rounds of 71 and 73 saw her move up from a tie for 31st after the first round. Unfortunately Tamie Durdin missed the cut after rounds of 76 and 75.
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Photo by Anthony Powter – Nikki Campbell