Shibuno wins Women's British Open on debut
- by Juana Turner
- in Sports
- — Aug 7, 2019
Doors have opened. LPGA Tour membership beckons, and Shibuno - backed by her caddie/coach, father and colourfully attired manager, will be popular additions to the American circuit if and when she takes that opportunity.
The 20-year-old, playing in her first Major, shot 68 for 18-under-par to win by a single stroke from American Lizette Salas.
"I don't think many people, including me, like to be in a situation where you're leading", she said.
She shared the lead with Shibuno on the final hole, too, though came up just short.
Compatriot and defending champion Georgia Hall and last week's Evian Championship major victor Ko Jin-young of South Korea were six back. "Hit really good shots", Buhai said.
"I didn't feel that nervous when I was on the last putt", she told reporters.
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Four birdies and four pars later, standing on the 18th fairway tied with Salas - after exchanging high fives with the fans - a tremendous approach shot reached the upper tier of the green, ascending to the right level with the hole, though 18ft away.
Shibuno felt the pressure of leading into today's final round but explained how the early double bogey might have played into her hands.
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"I was looking at the board all the time, and knew my position, where I stood in the tournament".
Also, Celine Boutier shot a 66 to finish the tournament at 12 under, followed by Carlota Ciganda (70) at 11 under and second-ranked Sung Hyun Park (73) at 10 under.
Salas, who finished tied for fifth at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in June, got off to a hot start with birdies on three of her first four holes before dropping a shot with a bogey at the sixth.
"I had a little pressure, but I like that pressure", Ko said.
On Japanese television, Higuchi said Shibuno looked as "relaxed" as if she were playing in Japan.
Salas' strongest challenge after the turn looked set to come from Korean Ko but Shibuno regrouped to launch a late charge and reel in Salas down the back nine.
Shibuno, nicknamed the "Smiling Cinderella", had never played outside of her home country of Japan before this week, but outshone the world's best players with a final round four-under 68 to claim the AIG Women's British Open on her major championship debut.
Hopes of a home victory rest with Charley Hull and Bronte Law, who both shot 70 to trail Shibuno by five.
