Park Out-Duels Pettersen on Sunday in China


No. 1-ranked Inbee Park got the best of second-ranked Suzann Pettersen in the World Ladies Championship, an event on the Ladies European Tour at Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

Park closed with a 6-under 67 to finish 72 holes in 24-under 268, five strokes ahead of the Norwegian, who shot a 72. Park's fellow South Korean, So Yeon Ryu, had a 69 and finished alone in third at 276.

Park and Pettersen began the final round Sunday tied for the lead but, after Park moved a stroke ahead through 10 holes, she pulled away with back-to-back birdies on the 11th and 12th. She then tacked on two more birdies to cruise to victory.

It was redemption of sorts for Park, who a year ago saw Pettersen rally down the stretch to win at Mission Hills in the final round.

The win was Park's first of the year. "Everything seems to be working quite well for me, from ball striking to putting. Everything was great today so I'm just happy to be here and win my first tournament of 2014.

"Last year I was leading going into the final round and I lost to Suzann. I knew that I left something out there last year so coming back this year I definitely wanted to win and that's what I just did. I had good memories from last year and better memories from this year, so I'm happy to be here. It has been a fantastic tournament."

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