Chinese Feng Shanshan wins Dubai Masters third time

Chinese Feng Shanshan strolled to a record 12-shot victory at the 10th edition of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on Saturday.

   The win was also Feng's third in Dubai in four appearances, making her the most successful player in the 10-year history of the tournament. 

   "I am really delighted to win in Dubai, which is a lucky place for me," said the 26-year-old prodigy at the presentation ceremony.

   A good five shots in front, Feng conjured another piece of magic on the Majlis course, going bogey-free in her final round of 66. Her target was 20 under par, but she surpassed her own goal with a birdie on the iconic 18th hole.

   "Coming to this tournament my goal was a top-five finish and I'm delighted to exceed my expectations. Dubai has been really good me, a lucky place, indeed," said Feng who made three birdies in each half.

   "It wasn't easy out there in the windy conditions, but I kept my composure and got the job done in the end," she said.

   Thailand's Thidapa Suwannapura, who shot a final round 73, finished second on nine-under par with England's Melissa Reid a stroke back in third.

   Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand, Germany's Caroline Masson and Frenchwoman Jade Schaeffer finished tied for fourth place on seven-under par.

   Winning the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters was the icing on the cake for Feng Shanshan, who has also become the first player from China to win the Ladies European Tour's Order of Merit.

   Feng teed up in Dubai with an unassailable lead and, after collecting a first prize check for 75,000 euros, took her season's earnings to 399,213.41 euros, 150,062.84 euros ahead of second placed Reid.

   Feng now boasts 15 career wins, including five on the Ladies European Tour, since turning professional in 2007.  Endi