Ayaka Furue made a late charge to win the Evian Championship with an eagle on the last hole to clinch her first major title Sunday.
The 24-year-old Japanese golfer held her nerve with another clinical putt, having made three birdies in the previous four holes to finish at 19 under overall after posting a 6-under 65.
Furue placed one stroke ahead of Australian Stephanie Kyriacou, the overnight leader, and two ahead of Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit, who shot a superb 8-under 63 in the final round to move into contention for her second major.
«Breathtaking, like incredible, and I'm so speechless,» Furue said.
American Lauren Coughlin (69) finished four shots behind Furue in fourth place.
Heading to the 18th hole, Furue and Kyriacou were level at 17 under with Tavatanakit, who was already in the clubhouse.
Furue teed off well and found the fairway, while Kyriacou's shot swerved left into the rough.
Furue found the green with her second shot, giving her a championship opportunity, and moments later, she was doused with champagne. Her previous best performance at a major was fourth at Evian in 2021.
«I am so honored to be the winner,» Furue said. «I didn't believe that I could get a major win, so I am so happy right now.»
The 23-year-old Kyriacou, who birdied the 18th, also secured her best result. Her previous best was a tie for seventh at the Women's British Open two years ago.
«It was a good week,» Kyriacou said. «Lots of positives to take away. I played great all week. Yeah, I don't know, it was a good week. It sucks not to hold the trophy. If you told me I would come second at the start of the week, I would've been happy.»
Tavatanakit won a major at the ANA Inspiration in 2021.
Overnight, Kyriacou was one stroke ahead of
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