Pan proves perfect in Down Under debut

China's Pan Yanhong birdied the final hole to win the inaugural Australia Classic by one stroke on Sunday, capturing her fifth China LPGA Tour victory and first overseas title.

Going into the final hole at Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club a stroke back, the 31-year-old Pan (69) sank a clutch 13.5-foot putt as leader Rebecca Artis (69) faltered to a bogey five, creating a two-stroke swing that denied the Australian the chance of her first pro win on home soil.

Pan finished 14-under 202 in the first China LPGA Tour event to be held overseas, which was co-sponsored with the Australian Ladies Professional Golf.

The Heibei native, whose final round included four birdies and a bogey, said she was ecstatic with her victory, but admitted it was a grind.

"It's awesome to win. It's kind of a struggle at the beginning because the putting and the approach shots are not well. It's a tense competition," said the former powerlifter.

"Artis is a good player and kept chasing closely. After hole 17 she got the lead. I thought she might win, but she didn't hit on the green after her second shot at the last hole. At that time I felt I got a chance to win. The last putt I closed my eyes just to putt. I made it. Finally I win. I'm so happy."

Artis, a 26-year-old from New South Wales, went into the final round looking to grab her second professional victory after winning a tournament in Sweden in 2013 on the Ladies European Tour.

Deadlocked with Pan at 12-under with nine holes to play, Artis fell a stroke back when she bogeyed the 11th hole. She then battled back with a birdie four at the 15th, and then took the outright lead with another birdie at the 17th.

On the final hole, Artis' approach shot landed short of the green in the rough between two bunkers. She then chipped to within 12 feet of the hole, and missed the putt that would have drawn her even with Pan.

"I played pretty solid golf all day today. I hit some great shots coming down the stretch," said Artis. "I just hit a poor tee shot on the 18th and left myself too far out. It was a great birdie by her (Pan). That was one of the toughest holes on the golf course. That was an awesome birdie."

China's Ye Ziqi was third as the national team member closed with 70 to finish four strokes back. Australia's Sarah Oh, the first round co-leader, rebounded for a 71 to place fourth, eight strokes off the pace.

Playing in the final group, rookie pro Ye started the day three shots off the lead. After birdies at holes four, nine and 10 to get to 11-under, her round derailed with a double-bogey seven at the par-five 11th. She then carded a birdie three at the 13th hole before playing par golf back to the clubhouse.

"Today, my play is very steady. Even though I had two holes where I made mistakes I controlled myself very well," said Ye. "I feel relaxed in Sydney. Even though I am in the leading group I don't feel nervous or any pressure. I enjoyed the game very much."

The China LPGA Tour returns on May 7-10 for the Buick Ladies Invitational at Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club.

Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club is a 6,337-yard, par-72 layout designed by Graham Marsh. Endi