YANTAI: Thailand's Tiranan Yoopan captured the first event of the CLPGA Tour season on Saturday when she sank a four-foot putt for par in the first extra hole of a five-way playoff to win the 50,000 U.S. dollars Yantai Yangmadao Challenge.

Playing under warm and sunny conditions at the Orient (Yantai) Sports and Country Club in China's eastern Shandong province, the 22-year-old Bangkok native rebounded from a poor finish in regulation where she dropped three shots over the final two holes, to claim the 7,500 dollars winner's prize.

Through 54 holes of regulation, Tiranan (75) shot an aggregate score of 12-over 228 to finish tied with compatriot Porani Chutichai, China's Zhang Na (76) and Wang Chun (76), and Chinese Taipei's Hseih Yu Ling (74).

"This is exciting, this is my first CLPGA win," said Tiranan. "Although I won six times in Thailand, this is my biggest win with the largest check. I don't know how I will spend my prize money yet."

Tiranan looked good to win her first CLPGA title in regulation as she was even for the day and two strokes ahead through 16 holes. She then bogeyed the par-three 17th before three-putting the final for a double-bogey six.

"I didn' t know I was leading at the last hole," said Tiranan who started the day four strokes off the lead. "My friends told me (later) that I could miss a winning putt. At that time I feel very sad. But then I got news that there could be a playoff. I was really happy to have a chance in the playoff."

"In the playoff, I didn't think it too much. I just thought that I should shoot a better score than double bogey."

Overnight leader Yang Taoli suffered a collapse on the back nine with bogeys on the final two holes to finish with an 80, one stroke out of the playoff. Playing partner and defending champion Yang Taoli closed with 81 to finish equal ninth.

The CLPGA returns May 31 for the 50,000 U.S. dollars Orient Shanghai Classic.

Editor: Li Jing

Source: Xinhua