Ji's confidence soars after storming to victory
Teen claims second CLPGA title amid wild and windy conditions in Shanghai
Rising amateurs
Amateur Tang Rongze finished runner-up on Sunday after also posting an even-par 72, while Cai Danlin finished four shots back in third, posting a three-under 69. Chinese amateurs Ren Yijia (70) and Zhou Shiyuan (71) were equal fourth.
Tang, who was gunning for her first win against a pro field, lamented a missed opportunity after being tied with Ji through five holes. Her round featured three birdies that were offset by three bogeys.
"This was not a great round. I had a steady start, but my iron play wasn't great. I didn't have many birdie chances. I also had a couple of annoying lip-outs (where the ball hits the edge of the cup and spins away). I had a fantastic birdie (on the 18th) with a great chip at the end of the day. I felt great about it," said Tang, a 15-year-old from Qingdao.
"This was my best finish on the China LPGA Tour, which is a great honor, but I can't help thinking that a win was possible with a better score today."
Cai, a 21-year-old from Hainan, solidified her place on the money list, moving into third on the Order with 224,646 yuan from five events.
"I knew it was going to be hard going into the final round seven shots off the lead, but, after three rounds, I was just four shots behind. I feel a little bit of regret, to be honest. I missed plenty of opportunities during the competition. Ji is a good player and she hits long. The course suits her. She deserves this."
Notes:
FILA GOLF Women's Classic final round scores. Players are from Chinese mainland unless otherwise stated (*denotes amateur):
206 — Ji Yuai 66-68-72
208 — Tang Rongze* 68-68-72
210 — Cai Danlin 72-69-69
211 — Ren Yijia* 70-71-70, Zhou Shiyuan* 68-72-71
212 — Noramol Nuchsila (THA) 71-71-70, Hung Chieh-ning (TPE) 71-67-74
213 — Prima Thammaraks (THA) 73-71-69, Sui Xiang 70-68-75
214 — Kusuma Meechai (THA) 76-69-69, Wang Zixuan 68-76-70, Pan Yanhong 69-71-74
215 — Zhang Hui 73-69-73, Li Gengshan 71-68-76
216 — Saranporn Katesuwan (THA) 72-73-71, Pimnipa Panthong (THA) 73-72-71