Lu Takes Mizuno Classic


Taiwan's Teresa Lu fired six birdies on the back nine to close with an 8-under 64 and forge a two-shot win in the Mizuno Classic. The $1.2 million, 54-hole LPGA Tour event - part of the circuit's five events in Asia - was held at the Shima-Shi golf course in Mie, Japan.

The 25-year-old Lu finished at 14-under 202, two strokes clear of South Korea's Chella Choi (66) and four ahead of Japan's Mamiko Higa and Yuki Ichinose, who each posted 70s.

On Sunday, Lu had a total of nine birdies and a bogey. The regular on the Japan LPGA Tour, who gave up her LPGA Tour membership in 2010, earned $180,000.

"Beginning of this year, I got into two playoffs and in both of them, I lose," Lu told reporters. "I guess I really learned from that and just tried to be calm."

"I had very good confidence today," said Choi, who carded six birdies. "I just think, 'OK, one putt, just one stroke.' So I think birdie and focus. I don't know why, not nervous. Good experience for me. Disappointed, but satisfied."

Stacy Lewis, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 3 and the defending champion, closed with a 70 to end up tied for eighth at 209. "I could have made some putts earlier I just couldn't seem to make any putts," she said.

"But to shoot 2-under in this wind is a good score. It's pretty crazy what (Lu and Choi) are doing today."

Fellow American Brittany Lincicome began Sunday only a stroke out of the lead, but closed with a 77 to fall into a tie for 29th at 2 under.

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

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