Hsu holds steady for hometown win at CTBC Ladies Open

TAIPEI, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Steady golf proved the difference for Hsu Wei-ling on Saturday as she outlasted Teresa Lu to win the CTBC Ladies Open by one stroke.

Hsu closed with a round of even-par 72 over the Orient (Taipei) Golf and Country Club layout to finish on two-under 214.

The victory at the China LPGA Tour-TLPGA Tour co-sanctioned event was worth 33,409 US dollars.

With a round featuring four birdies, a bogey and a double bogey, overnight leader Hsu appeared to be out of contention when Lu, the world No. 31 and highest-ranked player in the field, got to four-under through 14 holes for a two stroke lead.

The Japan LPGA Tour star then stumbled with three bogeys over the last four holes for a 72 as Hsu shot par golf over the same stretch to seal the win.

Hsu, who played full-time on the US LPGA Tour this past season, said she had been waiting for five years to get her first win at home.

"One word to describe my mood now is 'enjoyable'," said the 22-year-old who had twice won on the Symetra Tour.

"My good result is because of my good attitude. I focused on my shots and I just don't want to leave any regrets."

Lu, a four-time winner in Japan this season, completed her meltdown when she out of bounds on her drive at the final hole.

Following a one shot penalty, her approach found a bunker. She then chipped out and walked away with a bogey six. In defeat, she had nothing but praise for playing partner Hsu.

"Three years ago at the US Open we were in the same group on the practice day. Her distance was not far and not stable enough but now she has really made great progress."

Yu Pei-lin (70) was third at three strokes back. Pan Yanhong (74) was in equal fourth, tied with Hou Yu-sang (70), Hou Yu-chiang (70) and Lin Tze-han (68) and Lee Min (71) and Tsai Pei-ying (72) at four strokes off the pace.

Orient (Taipei) Golf and Country Club is a 6,382-yard, par-72 layout designed by Ronald Fream.

CTBC Ladies Open third round leading scores (*denotes amateur)

214 - Hsu Wei-ling (Chinese Taipei) 76-66-72

215 - Teresa Lu (Chinese Taipei) 73-70-72

217 - Yu Pei-lin (Chinese Taipei) 72-75-70

218 - Lin Tze-han* (Chinese Taipei) 76-74-68, Hou Yu-sang* (Chinese Taipei) 77-71-70,

Lee Min (Chinese Taipei) 74-73-71, Hou Yu-chiang (Chinese Taipei) 71-77-70,

Tsai Pei-ying (Chinese Taipei) 73-73-72, Pan Yanhong (China) 72-72-74

219 - Huang Ching (Chinese Taipei) 74-72-73

220 - Shi Yuting (China) 80-72-68, Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching (Hong Kong, China) 71-77-72

221 - Saraporn Chamchoi (Thailand) 76-74-71, Li Jiayun (China) 79-75-67,

Saranporn Langkulgasettrin (Thailand) 75-72-74

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