Shi captures first pro win in Zhuhai

After coming close on many occasions, China's Shi Yuting won her first professional title on Saturday with a two-shot victory at the RMB500,000 Zhuhai Hengqin Phoenix Tree Building Challenge in southern Guangdong province.

After fog delayed the start of play by 90 minutes, the Beijing teenager, known as 'Ting Ting', closed with a final round 70 over the Orient Zhuhai course for a five-under 211 score. The tournament was the second leg of the China LPGA Tour season.

Thailand's Prima Thammaraks (69) finished runner-up, while China's Zhang Weiwei (71) was third at three shots back.

"I overcame my limitations and did it finally. It means a lot to me. I am so happy now," said the 18-year-old Shi.

Starting the day with a two-shot lead, Shi dropped a shot with a bogey five at the 376-yard fourth hole. She then settled down to post three birdies over the next six holes before a bogey five at the 11th.

After rebounding for birdie at the next, her lead dropped to a single stroke over Prima following a double-bogey six at the short 363-yard 15th. With victory in sight, she ground out birdies on the final two holes to secure the win.

"I made a big mistake at the 15th hole. I played too aggressive from a tough lie in the rough and hit it into the water. After that I watched the leaderboard and tried to figure out where I was. My (caddie) father told me not to panic and to play the same game. It definitely helped a lot."

Citing her three key winning factors as hard work, a peaceful mind and a lot of help from many people, the zen-like Shi said her first goal of the year had now been achieved with the win.

"My next goal is a full card from a major international tour because I am 18 years old now. This win gave my confidence a boost. Hopefully, I can keep winning."

Prima, who turned pro in 2014 after an outstanding university career at Iowa State, bounced back from an opening round of 76 to close with strong rounds of 68 and 69. The Bangkok native finished her Zhuhai campaign with a round featuring four birdies and a lone bogey.

"The course was really challenging and the conditions were really tough with the wind and the fog and the cold. Coming into this week I was trying to be very patient, just try to play my game really well and according to my plan," said the 24-year-old.

Prima, who has earned a half-playing card on this year's US LPGA Tour, said she had been at home over the winter working on changing her swing and putting and all the effort had paid off this week.

"I start my LPGA season in the second week of April. I played this one and then I'm going to Vietnam and then the States."

China's Ji Yifan was the top amateur as the 15-year-old from Henan province closed with an eagle three on the 467-yard, par-five final hole to finish eighth, seven strokes behind Shi's winning score. Endi