Lu wins CTBC Ladies Open title after blazing start

Teresa Lu demonstrated why she was the top-ranked player at the CTBC Ladies Open on Saturday as the Chinese-Taipei star came out blazing in the rain-delayed third round to win by two strokes in a tournament that was shortened to 45 holes.

After waiting over four hours to play nine holes at Orient (Taipei) Golf and Country Club, Lu, the world No. 29, quickly wiped out the four-shot deficit that separated her from the lead with an eagle three on the opening hole, the 10th. She then added three birdies over her first five holes on her way to a five-under 31 and a score of 11-under 169.

China's Yang Taoli (34) was runner-up in the tournament that was co-sponsored between the China and Taiwan LPGA Tours. Compatriot Shu Yuting (34) was third a shot further back, while South Korea's Jang So-young (34) and overnight leader Saranporn Langkulgaettrin (39) of Thailand were equal fourth at four shots off the pace.

An excited Lu said it was the first time she had come back from four strokes in nine holes to win a tournament. She credited her strong iron play for her success.

"It was a great experience for me. It's not easy to come back, especially when the players played so good. I think the only way to win is getting more birdies, that's the only way to transfer pressures to other players. The eagle definitely encouraged me a lot," said the 28-year-old who has won 10 times in Japan since the 2013 season.

"I felt nervous at the beginning but better after the eagle. If the final round was 18 holes my strategy is the same. The positive policy is the only choice for me. Next week I will go back Japan to defend my title (at The Japan LPGA Championship Konica Minolta Cup). If I could play like this it would be good score as well."

Yang, the 2009 China LPGA Tour Order of Merit winner, posted her best performance since coming back earlier this year from a three-year break to get married and have a child. She closed with three birdies and a bogey.

"It's the back nine in the final round. But I used the front nine yardage book until I found the distance was wrong at hole 15," said the Sichuan native with a laugh. "At the same time, I saw the leaderboard and found that I might miss the opportunity to win already, but I could try put myself in the better position.

"Teresa's hot performance encouraged me lot and brought memories back. I thought I found my state just like I did before on the course. This week gave me lots of confidence and made me believe I could still be competitive. It's very important for me."

Beijing teenager Shi said today was a first for her in playing nine holes for the final round.

"It made me treasure every swing because you don't have more chances to get birdies. I'm good today to give my best. My driver and irons were solid, my putting is OK. I got some birdies, but missed some middle-distance putts."

Saranporn, who had a three-stroke lead going into the day, failed to get anything going with a bogey-five at the 12th hole and a double-bogey seven at the last.

"I have to say I learnt a lot from today. Teresa is so experienced. I admired how she is dealing with the conditions," said the 16-year-old Phuket native, a three-time winner on the All Thailand Tour this year.

"My driver and putting is not hot like yesterday, especially the putting is not working, which makes a struggle. I don't feel so nervous but my clubs are not performing good. I hope I can play better next time in the leading group."

Hou Yu-sang was the top amateur as the Chinese Taipei teenager closed with a one-over 37 to finish the tournament two-under 178, nine shots off the pace. Enditem