Lee Min-young celebrates after winning the Nichirei Ladies on the seventh playoff hole. [Photo=JLPGA]
Lee Min-young celebrates after winning the Nichirei Ladies on the seventh playoff hole. [Photo=JLPGA]

Lee Min-young claimed victory at the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour's Nichirei Ladies, winning on the seventh playoff hole Sunday.

Playing the final round at Soumai Country Club (par 72) in Soumai, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, Lee carded a bogey-free 63 with nine birdies for a 9-under-par round, finishing in a three-way tie with Japan's Oide Mitsuki and Yoshizaki Mana. She then sealed the title with a birdie on the seventh extra hole.

On the par-5 18th hole — the site of all seven playoff holes — Lee reached the green in two but missed a 3.5-meter eagle putt before tapping in for the winning birdie. As she holed the champion's putt, fellow South Korean players Bae Sun-woo and Lee Na-ri rushed in to embrace her.

Yoshizaki was the first eliminated, making only par on the 18th in the opening playoff hole. Oide matched Lee birdie for birdie through six holes — trading birdie, birdie, birdie, par, birdie and birdie — but could not convert a five-meter birdie putt on the seventh to stay alive.

The victory is Lee's first of the JLPGA season and the eighth of her career on tour. It was a result that showcased her mental toughness, physical endurance and ability to manage pressure.

After firing a scorching 9-under final round and immediately navigating seven grueling playoff holes, Lee maintained a steady ball-striking balance throughout — a testament to the veteran's depth of experience.


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