Jeeno Thitikul poses with the winner's trophy. [Photo=LPGA]
Jeeno Thitikul poses with the winner's trophy. [Photo=LPGA]

World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand claimed a come-from-behind victory at the LPGA Tour's Standers Portland Classic.

Thitikul fired an 8-under-par 64 on Monday (Korean Standard Time) at Columbia Edgewater Country Club (par 72) in Portland, Oregon, finishing at 22-under 266 to edge joint runners-up Apicha Yubol and Chanettee Wannasaen, both of Thailand, by one stroke.

Starting the final round two shots off the lead, Thitikul went on a birdie blitz — reeling off five consecutive birdies on holes 3 through 7 — and finished with one eagle and eight birdies against two bogeys to complete the comeback. The 23-year-old secured her 10th LPGA Tour victory, becoming the eighth player in tour history to reach 10 wins before turning 24. She also became only the second player this season to win three times, joining Nelly Korda of the United States.

Thitikul collected the $300,000 winner's check and pushed her career earnings to $19.7 million. In her post-round interview, she reflected on the journey. "Every win means something special because of the sacrifices and hard work we've put in," she said. "There were tough times when I doubted myself and questioned what was wrong with my game, but the moment I win, I feel like, 'Wow, this is exactly what I've been waiting for.'"

Five Thai players finished in the top eight at this event. Joint runner-up Wannasaen spoke after the round about the tight bond among Thai players on tour. "I know what my fellow players have been through, so seeing them play well makes me really happy," she said. "Like me, they sometimes experience burnout, but we keep going and never stop."

Third-round leader Sofia Schubert of the United States managed only a 1-under 71 in the final round, finishing at 17-under 271 for sole fourth place.

An Na-rin carded a 3-under 69 on the final day — four birdies against one bogey — to finish at 16-under 272, tying for fifth with Pajaree Anannarukarn of Thailand and Celine Boutier of France. It was An's first top-five finish since she tied for fifth at the CME Group Tour Championship in November 2024, a gap of roughly one year and nine months.

Lee So-mi shot a 5-under 67 on the final day to finish at 14-under 274, tying for 10th alongside Choi Woon-jung and Jeon Ji-won. Choi Hye-jin finished at even par for the day and ended at 11-under 277, tying for 20th.


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