PANG PERSISTS FOR S'PORE VICTORY

Endurance propels I7-year-old to maiden Tour win at rain-delayed Ladies Masters

- Ervin Ang

One by one, Pang Runzhi's competitors succumbed to the test of endurance on June 16, the final day of the Singapore Ladies Masters.

Of the 132-strong field, 83 players had to return to Laguna National Golf Resort Club at 7.10am to complete their interrupted second rounds from the rain delays earlier in the week.

While Pang's rivals faltered, the 17-year-old kept up her performance in the face of fatigue. Her superior fitness gave her the edge she needed to pip compatriot Cai Danlin, 21, for her maiden win on the China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA) Tour.

With a seven-under 209 overall, Pang (72) finished one stroke ahead of Cai (74) to earn the winner's cheque of US$15,000 (S$20,300).

India's Hitaashee Bakshi (71) was a further two shots back in solo third.

Pang, who spoke in Mandarin, told The Straits Times: "I'm feeling very happy, but a bit numb. I'm very tired and it all happened in a blur.

"There was someone who flew with me to Singapore and followed me across all three rounds. She really gave me a lot of moral support and confidence to play well.

"I told myself I had to endure till the end."