Miyazato tops Evian for first LPGA win

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France – Ai Miyazato of Japan won the Evian Masters with a birdie on the first sudden-death playoff hole Sunday, beating Sophie Gustafson of Sweden to clinch her first victory on the LPGA Tour.

Miyazato steadied herself and sank a putt from about six feet after Gustafson had missed her birdie putt from the edge of the green.

“I had a tough time these last few years,” Miyazato said, referring to her long wait for an LPGA title. “It is obviously a relief, but I feel a sense of accomplishment at achieving this great win. I have so many things going through my head at the moment.”

Miyazato shot a 3-under 69 on her final round and Gustafson had a 70 as both finished with 14-under totals of 274.

Gustafson had a chance to win it on the 18th hole, but her eagle putt stopped right on the edge of the hole.

The 24-year-old Miyazato has won numerous titles on Japan’s JLPGA circuit, but Sunday’s success at Evian is her biggest win to date. She is the first Japanese woman to win at Evian since Hiromi Kobayashi in 1997 – who also won on the first sudden-death playoff hole. (AP)