Yan shines in Golden Mountain Challenge win

A late birdie blitz helped Yan Panpan to her maiden victory on Saturday as the Chinese veteran closed with a final round four-under 68 to win the Bank of Qingdao Golden Mountain Challenge by one stroke in Shandong province.

The 28-year-old reeled off five birdies over the final nine holes in windy conditions at Golden Mountain Golf Club to finish eight-under 208. The victory at the China LPGA Tour event earned Yan RMB75,000 (12,000 US dollars).

South Korean Jang So-young (70) was runner-up, while overnight leader Shi Yuting struggled to a 74 to finish equal third with her Chinese compatriots Zhang Weiwei (70) and Ye Ziqi (68) at three shots back.

The victory was special for Yan as she had grown up in the Qingdao area. After posting runner-up finishes in each of the last four seasons, she was excited to finally break through to the winner's circle.

"This is my birthplace, it means a lot," said Yan who turned pro in 2007.

"I played a great back nine and had two great putts. At No. 10 I had a 35 footer and at No. 17 I made a 15 footer (for birdies). This is my day. I believe I can win more after this breakthrough win."

Yang, winner of last year's Beijing Challenge, looked set get her second win on Saturday when she carded three birdies over the first four holes of the back nine to get to nine-under through 13 holes. It unravelled, however, at the 14th hole when she found a water hazard at the back of the green on her approach that would result in a double-bogey seven.

"I'm a little bit disappointed. The last hole I had a five-meter putt for birdie. I checked the score and if I make the putt I could make a playoff. But I didn't hit good and it didn't go in," she said.

The smiling runner-up said she was now looking forward to next week in Beijing.

"My irons and my putting are good, so I will win the next tournament. I will keep my champion's title."

Shi, the overnight leader, saw the chance for her first pro win slip away early when the teenager carded a bogey five on the second hole, followed by a double-bogey five at the next. Her troubles were further compounded by a bogey five at the sixth hole. After rebounding for three birdies, she closed with a bogey six at the last.

In March, the 17-year-old was also leading in Zhuhai going into the final round and failed to convert.

"I feel a little bit disappointed because this was one of my many chances this year and I failed," said the Beijing native.

China's Du Mohan was the top amateur as the 13-year-old, the first round co-leader, rebounded for a 73 to finish 12 shots back. Endi