Perfect Park THRILLS Singapore

Ariya Jutanugarn / AFP 

ARIYA JUTANUGARN was |outgunned by red-hot world No 2 Park Sung-hyun yesterday, but the world’s top golfer was more than happy with her surge back to form at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. 

Park shot a stunning best-of-the-week round of eight-under 64 to claim a two-stroke victory in Singapore.

The 25-year-old South Korean reeled in early leader Australian Minjee Lee by the turn and four birdies on a flawless back nine saw her finish the $1.5-million tournament at 15 under-par with Lee back on 13-under after a three-under 69.

Ariya, however, posted her first top-10 finish this season, after an 18th at the Tournament of Champions in the US, 41st in the Australian Open and tied 14th last week at the LPGA Thailand.

“I hit some good shots but hit some bad shots too,” said Ariya of her weekend in Singapore. “Still, a good week for me. It didn’t finish the way I wanted, but still a good week. I just had one bad day, but overall I did a good job.”

For Park, who is breathing down her neck in the world rankings, the Thai had nothing but praise. 

“Sung Hyun, she’s such a great golfer. I’m not surprised she shot 8-under because she’s the best to me, so just congrats to her.”

Ariya began yesterday as overnight leader before stumbling badly twice to lose her momentum. Two double bogeys, on the fourth and 13th holes, were enough to end her chances of a first title this season.

“I’m not going to say that [the two double bogeys were the turning points] because before that I was not making any putts and was not making any birdies. It was just a tough day for me today,” said the Thai.

Ariya still has to win an LPGA trophy in Asia, with all 10 of her titles coming in the US, Canada and Britain.

“I’m not really paying attention on just one tournament,” she said “But I know I have so many things to improve, especially after this week. I have to go back to see my coach and work on a lot of things.”

Park has no such worries, declaring yesterday’s performance one of her best. 

“I’m really, really delighted and happy with my play today, and I think today is one of the best days that I am playing so far on the LPGA Tour,” said the Korean.

“I didn’t think I would win this fast and I’m really happy. I used to have a tough beginning [of the season] in the last years, and this first win is so fast I think I will play really comfortable the rest of my season.”

World No 3 Lee’s challenge faltered after a bogey five on the 14th which handed Park a one-stroke lead which she extended with a further birdie on the 16th.

Tied for third on 11-under-par were South Korea’s Ko Jin-young and Spain’s Zahara Munoz, who |both had final rounds of 69.

Park is wildly popular among fans in her homeland who follow her around the world in packs, with many this week sporting the message “Shut up and attack” on their shirts. 

Not that Park needed any advice as she stayed eerily calm and demonstrated a steely nerve when the pressure was on.

“To see all these fans travel from so far away to watch really helps me,” said Park. “I am really surprised every time I see them as it’s such a big group but they really give me energy.”

The 22-year-old Lee had started the day a shot behind Ariya but a birdie on the first gave her a share of the lead. 

When Ariya found the water for a double bogey on the fourth, the Australian was out in front on her own – until Park started her charge.

A double bogey seven on the 13th ended Ariya’s challenge as the tournament settled into a shootout between Park and Lee.

Park had edged in front and a sealed the victory in style with a nerveless 25-foot putt on the 16th for a birdie four.

“She’s the kind of player who comes around once in a lifetime,” said Park’s Irish caddie of almost three years David Jones of the double major winner and former world No 1.

Ariya signed for a three-over 75 that left her tied for eighth.