Lee Takes Mizuno Classic in Extra Holes


South Korea's Mi Hyang Lee birdied the fifth hole of a three-way playoff to win the Mizuno Classic. The $1.2 million LPGA Tour event was held at Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club in Japan.

Lee closed with a 3-under 69 to tie fellow Korean Ilhee Lee (70) and Japan's Kotono Kozuma (69) at 11-under 205 in the 54-hole tournament. The trio continued to play the par-4 18th until a winner emerged, with Lee finally settling matters with her second birdie in five tries and her first LPGA title.

"It was my first playoff ever so before I started the playoff I was a little nervous," said Lee. "I just kept playing and made pars and birdies and the other players played really good. It was exciting when I made the last putt."

Added Lee, "I won on the LET in February in New Zealand and that gave me a lot of confidence. It's pretty quick, this is only my second year out here. I think every tournament is a good experience for me and today was pretty great for me because I didn't think I could win this tournament yet."

The victory was worth $180,000.

The playoff could have been much bigger as nine players ended up at 10-under 206. In that group was Laura Davies, who shared the lead entering Sunday with Lee and Ai Suzuki of Japan.

The 51-year-old Davies was vying to become the oldest winner in LPGA history. But she closed with a 71 to share fourth with Karrie Webb, Morgan Pressel, Saiki Fujita, Sakura Yokomine, Jessica Korda, Ayako Uehara, Na-Ri Lee, and Chella Choi.

Defending champion Teresa Lu of Taiwan closed with a 67 to end up tied for 13th at 9-under 206. No. 2-ranked Stacy Lewis, who won the event two years ago, had a 69 and ended up at 211.

For all the scores, visit www.lpga.com.