Xanh scores victory at the home of golf in Rule Trophy

GOLF ROUND-UP

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SOMERSET golfer Davina Xanh pipped fellow English player Charlotte Naughton to victory in the St Rule Trophy at St Andrews.

Xanh shot rounds of 73 and 70 on the New Course before a final-day 72 saw her finish on -11, one shot clear of England Girls’ Squad star Naughton, who fired, 71, 73, 72.

Xanh enjoyed two eagles and three birdies in her final round on the Old Course to lift the title, while Naughton was the leading under-18 player and lifted the Lawson Trophy for the second year running.

After victory, Xanh said: “I had no idea where I was on the leaderboard in the last round, but my eagle on 13 gave me some more momentum in my finishing holes. The last hole on the Old Course, just hitting three good shots to make birdie on an historic hole, in front of a crowd, was special.

“My second round on the New Course shooting -5, in the wind and rain, was memorable too.

“This win is really special to me since I've been working hard with my coaches. I’ve been getting close to the finish line for the last couple of years and it seems like a long time coming. To just play at St Andrews is incredible, and winning there means so much more.

“I'll celebrate with my family and spend time with them. I just got back from the USA [where she studies at university] last week so it’s been a fairly quick turnaround.”