Miranda Wang secures First LPGA Title at FM Championship, Defeating Jeeno Thitikul by One Stroke
BOSTON – miranda Wang claimed her inaugural LPGA Tour victory Sunday at the FM Championship, finishing at 20-under 268 to edge jeeno Thitikul by a single stroke. The win marks the 11th first-time winner on the LPGA Tour this season, continuing a trend of competitive parity across the tour.Wang began the final round with a lead built on a stellar opening round where she carded eight birdies on the front nine, ultimately leading by three shots entering Sunday. While facing challenges on the back nine, including a missed birdie putt on the 12th and a bogey on the 15th, Wang demonstrated resilience and capitalized on opportunities, notably a birdie on the 17th to regain the lead. Thitikul’s own struggles on the 17th, resulting in a bogey, further aided Wang’s path to victory.
The decisive final hole saw Wang lay up and two-putt for par, securing the championship.Thitikul finished with a 67, while Rose Zhang, who played in the final group, struggled after the turn and finished tied for fifth. sei Young Kim finished third with a 70, followed by Andrea Lee, also at 70. Jin Hee Im posted a remarkable bogey-free 62 to also tie for fifth.
“On the back nine of the first round,I started hitting really good shots,” Wang said. “I felt like this could be my week. I worked really hard and didn’t give up.”
The LPGA tour has now seen 24 different winners in 23 tournaments this season,including one team event,before heading to Cincinnati for the Kroger Queen City Championship. Nelly Korda, a seven-time winner last year, finished tied for 35th, 14 shots behind Wang.
