Women’s British Open: Rookie Hinako Shibuno birdies 18th hole to win maiden major

The Japanese rookie birdied five of the last nine holes

Sunday 04 August 2019 19:36 BST
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The 20-year-old celebrates with the trophy
The 20-year-old celebrates with the trophy (Getty)

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Hinako Shibuno of Japan finished with a birdie to win the Women’s British Open by one shot over Lizette Salas as she wrapped up a stunning major championship debut on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Shibuno, a rookie on the Japan LPGA Tour who was making her LPGA Tour debut, birdied five of the final nine holes in a 4-under 68 and 18-under 270 overall.

Salas, who started the day tied for fourth, quickly played herself into contention with three birdies in the first four holes, and she added five more in a 7-under 65 at Woburn Golf Club.

But the American will regret not taking another birdie chance on the 18th when she shared the lead with Shibuno. It was Salas’ best finish at a major.

Jin Young Ko, seeking her third major title of the year after winning the Evian Championship last week, was third, two shots back after a bogey-free 66.

Hinako Shibuno reacts to holing the winning putt on the 18th green
Hinako Shibuno reacts to holing the winning putt on the 18th green (AFP/Getty)

Morgan Pressel (67) finished fourth at 15 under, just ahead of early leader Ashleigh Buhai (70), whose hopes were dented Saturday when she let a five-shot lead slip. The 30-year-old South African finished fifth at 14 under.

AP

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