BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Shi Yuting successfully defended her Le Coq Sportif Beijing Ladies Classic title on Saturday when the Chinese pro sank a 15-foot birdie putt in the second hole of a playoff to defeat New Zealand's Munchen Keh.
With Shi carding her second consecutive round of 66 over the Beijing Orient Pearl Golf Club, only to be bettered by Keh who closed with a 65, both players were deadlocked at 11-under 205 in regulation play.
After both players made birdie on the first hole of the playoff, the 499-yard par-five 18th, Shi put the pressure on when she successfully converted her birdie putt in the second hole of sudden death - the 18th hole again.
Needing to make an eight-foot putt to prolong the playoff, Keh missed as Shi secured her third China LPGA Tour victory.
Afterwards a tearful Shi spoke about the pressure of retaining the title at her sponsor's event and the expectations that were placed upon her.
"I really wanted to win the championship and I refrained from thinking about it fearing that it would distract my attention, it was too hard. But I'm glad I've gotten it down," said the 20-year-old Beijing native who earned 120,000 yuan RMB (18,779 U.S. dollars) for the win.
Liu Wenbo, the Chinese amateur who led through two rounds at Beijing Orient Pearl, closed with a 70 to finish equal third at two shots back, tied with compatriot Sui Xiang (68).
Chinese veteran Yang Taoli (69) was equal fifth at the 800,000 yuan RMB (125,392 U.S. dollars) China LPGA Tour event, tied with Thailand's Wannasiri Sirisampant (70).
Keh, a 25-year-old from Pakuranga, posted her best finish on the CLPGA Tour on the strength of an outstanding round that featured eight birdies, including one at the last hole, and a lone bogey five at the 368-yard 11th.
"I'm pretty happy with my performance this week. It gives me more confidence. I am not really disappointed with the result today," said the second-year pro. "I played well and caught lots of chances. I am enjoying playing in China."
Nicollet Sharmila, the first round co-leader from India who was one shot back through 36 holes, ballooned to a 76 to finish equal 14th.
Beijing Orient Pearl Country Club is a 6,417-yard, par-72 layout designed by TK Pen.?
