World No 4 Kim Hyo-joo successfully defended her Kumho Tire Ladies Open title on Sunday when the South Korean closed with an even-par 72 for a four-stroke victory in Weihai, Shandong province.

The 19-year-old finished at 10-under 206 at Weihai Point Gold Resort to earn $89,000 and her 13th career victory. Among her titles are four wins on the China LPGA Tour, including the Hyundai China Ladies Open, which she claimed for a second time in December.

Feng Shanshan made a late charge as the China No 1 fired a four-under 68 to finish runner-up in the China LPGA Tour-LPGA Tour of Korea co-sponsored tournament, while South Korea's Jang Su-yeon (71) was third, a shot further back.

Jang Ha-na, the world No 22, closed with a 75 to tie for fourth with South Korean compatriot Kim Bo-ah (68) - seven shots behind the winner.

Starting the day with a three-shot lead, Kim Hyo-joo played conservatively over the seaside layout which overlooks Bohai Bay, carding three birdies and three bogeys, including one at the last, but never allowed her competition to get too close.

"This is my first time successfully defending a title. I'm pleased that I could do it," said Kim who is playing full-time on the US LPGA Tour this season for the first time.

"I haven't led during the final round for a while. I was a little bit emotional but after two bogeys on the front nine I returned to normal. I didn't feel comfortable out there," she said.

"It was a challenge for me and forced me to play carefully. The US Women's Open is coming (next week) and I feel confident and ready. It's a good warm-up."

After falling out of contention following a second-round 73, Feng started the day eight shots off the lead. The world No 6 quickly got her game going on Sunday when she reeled off six birdies in her first 10 holes. It was as close as the 25-year-old would get as she would follow with three consecutive bogeys starting at the 11th hole, before posting a birdie three at the last to claim second place.

"The pin positions were tricky. It was hard to make a par, let alone a birdie. I made two three-putt bogeys and missed another short par putt. But I also made a couple of unexpected birdie putts, so it was the best result," said Feng, winner of the Buick Ladies Championship in May.

"I'm happy with my approach. I never gave up for a minute for three days. I did a great job. The finish was good, even though I wasn't able to catch up to the winner. But I didn't set a goal entering this week. You (the media) all mentioned to me that I should be better than last year (when she tied for seventh). I did it. I'm glad."

The China LPGA Tour now takes a summer break and will return on Sept 3-5 for the Wuhan Challenge.

Weihai Point Golf Resort is a 6,146-yard, par-72 layout designed by GolfPlan.

(China Daily 07/06/2015 page23)