Shiho Kuwaki clinches sudden-death win over Esther Henseleit at Royal Lytham

Shiho Kuwaki erased a three-shot lag on Sunday to join Esther Henseleit at five under par after the latter sank a remarkable 45-foot birdie on the final hole at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Both players then contested a sudden-death playoff on the 18th, where Kuwaki managed a pars while Henseleit failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt, handing the title to the Japanese golfer. The win marks the second straight AIG Women’s Open victory for Japan.

Yealimi Noh, who led after three rounds, faltered on the front nine of the final round and finished third, one shot behind the leaders. Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul shared fourth place, while Charley Hull and Lottie Woad tied for sixth after missing late challenges.