Ji Yuai, a Chinese teenager, secured her first professional golf championship at the Women’s China Tour Tianjin Open. The final round, held on the 27th, saw Ji Yuai emerge victorious with a score of 208 over three rounds and 8 under par.
Ji Yuai had come close to winning a championship at the Beijing Women’s Challenge last year but fell short in a playoff due to a conservative approach. Determined not to repeat the same mistake, Ji Yuai played aggressively in the Tianjin Open, leading by 5 strokes going into the final round after breaking 70 in the first two rounds.
With a composed final round, Ji Yuai sealed the championship with a two-putt for par on the last hole. Reflecting on her win, Ji Yuai mentioned that the victory was expected as she led throughout the tournament, keeping her emotions in check.
Following behind Ji Yuai, Wang Zixuan claimed the runner-up spot with a score of 213 in three rounds, finishing 3 under par and also receiving the Best Amateur Player Award. This marks Wang Zixuan’s second runner-up finish in a Women’s China Tour event, with Liu Wenbo coming in third.
The Tianjin Women’s Open, as the first regular event of the Women’s China Tour 2024 season, attracted 118 players from 10 countries and regions. Ji Yuai’s victory signifies a promising start to the season as she clinches her maiden professional championship in style.