Yin beats No. 1 Vu in playoff to win first LPGA title

SHANGHAI — Angel Yin Secures First Tour Win in Dramatic Playoff Victory Over Lilia Vu at Buick LPGA Shanghai Tournament

Angel Yin emerged triumphant over top-ranked Lilia Vu in a thrilling playoff to claim her first victory on the tour at the Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament on Sunday. Both Yin and Vu finished tied at 14-under 274 on the Qizhong Garden Golf Club course, resulting in a playoff. Yin sealed the victory with a birdie on the first playoff hole, the par-4 18th, after Vu narrowly missed a 20-foot birdie putt.

This win holds additional significance for 25-year-old Yin, as it represents redemption for her loss to Vu in a playoff earlier this year at the Chevron Championship, an LPGA major. Yin and Vu warmly embraced following the match, celebrating Yin’s breakthrough moment.

Yin expressed her gratitude after the game, acknowledging the challenge of winning. Reflecting on her victory, she said, “Honestly, anything could have happened after I found myself in the bunker on the 18th hole, but luck was on my side. I had a great lie and executed a solid shot. It’s been an incredible week.”

Yin and Maja Stark shared the overnight lead at 12 under. Yin shot a 70 on Sunday, with three birdies and a lone bogey, while Vu carded a 4-under 68 with six birdies and two bogeys. Vu held the clubhouse lead at 14-under until Yin birdied the par-5 17th and made par on the final hole to force the playoff.

Reflecting on the match, Vu admitted to making mistakes and feeling off her game but praised Yin’s performance. She said, “Today was just Angel’s day. I’m happy for her.”

In third place at 13 under were Hye-jin Choi of South Korea, who shot an impressive 64, Thai pair Pavarisa Yoktuan (70) and Ariya Jutanugarn (69), Yu Liu (68), and Esther Henseleit (68).

Maja Stark had a frustrating day, finishing in a tie for eighth with an even par round and a total of 12-under 276.

Two-time defending champion Danielle Kang of the United States finished five strokes back in a tie for 17th at 9 under after shooting a 71.

The Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament marked the LPGA’s return to China after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament kicks off a four-tournament Asia swing, with upcoming stops in South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.