Shiho Kuwaki triumphs over Esther Henseleit in a thrilling final match at Royal Lytham & St Annes
In what will go down as one of the most memorable contests in Women's Open history, Japan's Shiho Kuwaki emerged victorious after an intense play-off against Germany’s Esther Henseleit. The nail-biting finale took place at Royal Lytham & St Annes, a course steeped in women's golf tradition.
Kuwaki and Henseleit were both tied for the lead with a final-round 70 after moving to five under par thanks to a stunning 45-foot birdie putt on the 18th by Henseleit. The two players then advanced into a play-off on the treacherous par-four 18th hole.
In the first extra hole, both players made pars but in the second, disaster struck for Henseleit as her drive ended up in a gorse bush to the right of the fairway. Kuwaki calmly two-putted while Henseleit faced an agonizing bogey, allowing her opponent to clinch the title.Speaking at the trophy presentation, 23-year-old Kuwaki expressed her gratitude and joy: “I just can’t believe it. To be on this stage is an honour. I tried my best every hole, focusing shot by shot and just enjoyed the moment.” She also mentioned the recent earthquake in Japan, saying,