Miyazato secures second Evian Masters
BY Bruce Young | Ladies European Tour | 2011 Evian Masters | Wrap | 25 Jul 2011
Ai Miyazato added a second Evian Masters to her already significant career portfolio of victories when she recorded a two shot victory over Stacy Lewis at the lucrative event in Evian les Baines in France.
Miyazato had won this event in 2009 and in 2010 would go on to become the game’s highest ranked player. She is currently 10th in the World ranking but this very against such a strong line-up will take her much higher.
It’s feeling amazing, you know,” said Miyazato after her win when asked the obvious question. “This is my favourite tournament, so I really happy that could win this tournament again, especially right now. We are having a really tough time, so I just really happy that I could do very some good news Japan.
When asked how she would spend the prizemoney, Miyazato responded; “Well, I haven’t really decided at this moment yet, but, you know, maybe all of it or some of it will definitely be donated.”
Starting the final round with a two shot lead she cemented her victory with a great start to round four with an opening nine of 33. Korean Ran Rong appeared to be her main danger after she had kept in touch with the Japanese star but bogeys at the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th saw her challenge disappear.
Lewis, who has been in such great from in 2011 including when winning the Kraft Nabisco, then took on the role as Miyazato’s greatest threat but although Miyazato was unable to birdie either of the closing two par fives, Lewis was also making a meal of them. She actually bogeyed the 15th and then failed to birdie the last leaving Miyazato to play the final hole with her two shot lead.
In kyung Kim, Angela Stanford and Miki Saiki tied for third position.
In a generally disappointing week for the Australians Lindsey Wright did best when 44th while Karrie Webb slipped with a final round of 75 to finish 56th.
The Evian Masters will become a major championship in 2013 but for Miyazato this event probably feels like one now given the impact it has had on her career in recent years.
The LPGA Tour now heads to Carnoustie in Scotland for this week’s Ricoh Women’s British Open
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