US Women's Open title well worth wait for Ryu

SOUTH Korea's Ryu So-yeon won her first major title by beating compatriot Seo Hee-kyung by three shots in a three-hole play-off for the weather-delayed US Women's Open in Colorado Springs yesterday.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jul 2011, 20:45 BST
Updated 12th Jul 2011, 02:03 BST

The 21-year-old Ryu rolled in a five-foot birdie putt on the 18th green, the third extra hole, to complete her maiden LPGA victory. She was then soaked in champagne by fellow Korean players and former winners Pak Se-ri and Ji Eun-hee after they ran across the green to join her in joyful celebration at The Broadmoor.

"Unbelievable," said a beaming Ryu after going par-birdie-birdie over the 16th, 17th and 18th holes in the play-off.

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"I won KLPGA (Korean LPGA) tournaments six times but no majors and now I have won the US Women's Open. I can't believe it."

Ryu was especially delighted that Pak and Ji both stayed on to watch her secure victory after the year's third major had been heavily disrupted by rain, thunder and lightning over the previous four days.

Ryu and Seo finished the regulation 72 holes at three-under 281, Seo having closed with a three-under-par 68 shortly before play was suspended because of darkness on Sunday evening.

American world No 2 Cristie Kerr finished in third at one under after closing with a 71. Compatriot Angela Stanford was a further stroke back in fourth after carding a 72.