LPGA news: Jeeno Thitikul’s late charge in finale

The CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida, saw an intense battle on Saturday as Angel Yin and Jeeno Thitikul shared the lead going into the final round. With a whopping $4 million on the line, both players delivered stellar performances to put themselves in contention for the top prize.

Yin showcased her putting skills by sinking long putts and even chipping in for eagle on the par-5 sixth hole. She maintained a comfortable lead with birdies on the eighth, ninth, and 12th holes, finishing with a solid 69 for the day.

Thitikul, on the other hand, seemed to struggle initially with three consecutive bogeys on the back nine. However, she quickly turned things around with an eagle on the 17th and a birdie on the closing hole to tie with Yin at 15-under 201.

Ruoning Yin also made a late surge with birdies on the final two holes to finish at 12-under 204, just three shots behind the leaders. Charley Hull and Narin An of South Korea were tied at 11-under 205, still within striking distance of the top spot.

Nelly Korda, who has had a remarkable season with seven LPGA titles, faced an uphill battle after a 69 on Saturday. With a six-shot deficit going into the final round, Korda will need to mount a comeback to secure the $4 million prize.

Thitikul, who already won a $1 million bonus through the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge, could potentially walk away with a total of $5 million if she clinches the championship. Despite her success, Thitikul remains humble, stating that any additional winnings would simply go towards her love for shopping.

Yin’s performance was highlighted by her ability to save pars after errant drives, showcasing her resilience on the course. Despite a few mistakes, Yin remained positive and focused on her scoring throughout the round.

As the tournament heads into the final day, the competition is heating up with the richest payoff in women’s golf up for grabs. Fans can expect an exciting finish as the players battle it out for the prestigious title and the lucrative prize money.