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Jeeno keeps cool to win LPGA's Americas Open / Photo: Mike Stobe - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Jeeno keeps cool to win LPGA's Americas Open
Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul collected her fifth LPGA Tour title with victory at the LPGA Tour's Americas Open at Liberty National on Sunday.
The world number two shot a solid three-under-par 69 to win by four strokes from France's Celine Boutier who shot an even-par 72 in her final round.
Thitikul finished 17-under for the week after staying out of trouble and making birdies on the first, ninth and 17th.
The 22-year-old Thai star had finished off last season with victory in the Tour Championship in November but she won on the Ladies European Tour in Saudi Arabia in February.
The win in Jersey City was her 11th professional victory on all tours but having started her round with just a one-stroke advantage over Boutier, said she had no clue of the leaderboard situation as she approached the final hole.
"I had no idea. Maybe on the last putt because I didn't even look at the leaderboard at all, to be honest. I just asked my caddie if I need to make a par or not. He said, 'It's okay; I think you're safe'. I was just like, okay, so actually I can breathe now," she said.
"I was really patient. I know that a lot of putts didn't drop on the front nine, but was trying to do my best, and I knew that I'm doing a good job. I was just trying to tell myself 'Be patient, it's coming, it's coming'. That's pretty much what I told myself today."
Jeeno finished a disappointing tied for 24th at last week's first major of the year, the Chevron Championship.
Boutier cancelled out her three birdies with three bogeys but was pleased to be in contention as she looks forward to the next major, the US Women's Open in Wisconsin in June.
"A very solid week overall. Definitely a little bit disappointed with my finish today, but feel pretty happy with where my game is at. Just need to tweak a few things before my next tournament, which is the US Open, so it's very encouraging to have a good result here at such a good tournament," she said.
Spain's Carlota Ciganda and the USA's Andrea Lee finished tied for third place.
Defending champion and world number one Nelly Korda had started the day in contention, just two shots behind Thitikul.
But while the Thai progressed, Korda shot four bogeys to make a one-over 73.
M.Lombardi--INP
