Phatlum Rallies for Dubai Ladies Masters Victory


Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum fired a 6-under 66 to overtake third-round leader Stacy Lewis and win the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. The season-ending event on the Ladies European Tour schedule was held at Emirates Golf Club.

The 24-year-old Phatlum had seven birdies and a lone bogey Saturday to finish at 15-under 273. Four of her birdies came on the final six holes, allowing her to eke past Lewis, who shot a 69. Lewis began the final round with a two-shot lead over Phatlum.

"I am very excited. I just played my own game and stayed calm under pressure," said Phatlum, who got her second LET title to go along with her seven wins on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour.

"I have learned how to stay focused through meditation, which I practice with my brother, who caddies for me. When I'm on the course I just play my game and I didn't think about the win. I don't want to pressure myself."

"I'm disappointed," said Lewis, who was looking for her fourth victory of 2013 but could only manage a birdie and a bogey on final nine holes. "The back nine that Pornanong played was pretty impressive. She hit golf shots when she needed to and made the putts and I didn't.

"It's been a really good year," added Lewis, the No. 3-ranked player in the world. "It's had its highs and lows. I've played some really consistent golf."

This was a two-woman horse race involving Phatlum and Lewis. Finishing in third eight strokes behind the winner was Spain's Carlota Ciganda (71), while 10 back was Diana Luna (71) and 12 behind were Shanshan Feng (71), Laura Davies (73) and Louise Larsson (74).

England's Charley Hull shot a 71 to end up in a tie for eighth place. With her finish, the 17-year-old secured the LET's 2013 Rookie of the Year honors.

For all the scores, visit http://www.letscoring.com/leaderboard/64082.