Shanghai (AFP) – Mexico’s 136th-ranked Gaby Lopez celebrated the biggest victory of her career on Saturday when she triumphed at the $2.1 million Blue Bay LPGA in China.
An emotional Lopez beat off world number one Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and a late challenge from France’s Celine Boutier for her maiden victory on the US-based LPGA Tour.
Lopez carded a final-round 73 to go eight under for the tournament on the island of Hainan — where wind has been a factor all week — and a one-stroke win.
She was drenched in water by her rivals and wiped away tears at the end.
Lopez had marked her 25th birthday on Friday by hitting a hole-in-one at the 17th hole and grabbing the third-round lead.
Jutanugarn finished second on seven under and Boutier, ranked 150th in the world, was third, a further shot back, after shooting a sparkling six-under-par 66.
There was a tie for fourth between Danielle Kang of the United States and South Korea’s Kim Sei-young.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.