Pajaree Anannarukarn from Thailand secured her second career tour title by defeating Ayaka Furue from Japan with a score of 3&1 in the LPGA Match-Play final held on Sunday. Pajaree, currently ranked 97th in the world, displayed an impressive performance throughout the week at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, Nevada, finishing with a record of 6-1. On the other hand, Ayaka Furue, ranked 18th globally, had to settle for a second consecutive runner-up position in this tournament.

 

"It was a great week and I'm definitely happy for everything," Pajaree said. "I just try every possible way to improve on my game and just keep believing.

"I tried really hard to focus on myself. I missed a couple putts. I'm glad I was able to play decent enough."

 

Pajaree Anannarukarn

 

Pajaree Anannarukarn's triumph in the prestigious LPGA Match Play tournament is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft. Through her exceptional skill, strategic choices, and unwavering mental strength, she emerged victorious, leaving her competitors behind.

 

Her remarkable display on the golf course showcased her mastery of precise shots and astute decision-making, enabling her to conquer the challenging course with poise and grace.

By clinching this coveted title, she joins the ranks of esteemed Thai golfers who have achieved multiple victories on the LPGA Tour, solidifying her place among the sport's elite.

 

"I tried really hard to focus on myself. I missed a couple putts. I'm glad I was able to play decent enough."

 

Ayaka Furue from Japan

 

 

After losing to Ji Eun-hee in the previous year's final with a score of 3&2, Ayaka Furue, an eight-time Japan Tour winner, demonstrated her resilience and competitive spirit at this year's LPGA Match Play tournament. Despite her only loss in seven matches, Furue expressed her confidence in her game and recognized the valuable experience gained from match play.

 

 

In the final match, Furue won the second hole, while Pajaree Anannarukarn secured the third with pars. Pajaree took the lead with a par on the par-3 fifth, and although Furue won the sixth hole with a birdie, Pajaree responded by birdieing the par-5 seventh, maintaining a 1-up advantage.

 

Pajaree extended her lead to 2-up by birdieing the par-4 12th, but Furue quickly responded by hitting her approach shot close to the hole, winning the par-3 13th and narrowing the margin to one. Pajaree showcased her skill once again by sinking her second shot for a birdie concession at the 14th, restoring her 2-up lead. The 15th and 16th holes were halved with a bogey and a par respectively.

 

The decisive moment came at the par-3 17th hole, where Pajaree reached the green while Furue found a bunker. Furue's shot from the bunker hit the hole and rolled well beyond, resulting in her conceding the hole and ultimately the victory to Pajaree.

 

In the semifinals, Furue and 19th-ranked Leona Maguire each won two holes with pars in the first five. Maguire gained a 2-up lead with birdies on the sixth and seventh holes, but Furue responded strongly with an eagle on the par-5 ninth and a birdie on the par-4 10th, leveling the match.

 

 

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