SANYA, China — Rio Takeda delivered an impressive performance at the LPGA's Blue Bay tournament on China's southern island of Hainan, clinching her second title with a commanding six-shot victory over Minjee Lee of Australia. Takeda's final round saw her shoot a blistering 8-under 64 on Sunday, ending the tournament at 17-under 271. This victory marks another milestone for the 21-year-old, who claimed her first LPGA title just four months ago at the Toto Japan Classic after a thrilling six-hole sudden-death playoff.
Takeda opened the tournament with consistent rounds of 69-69-69, setting a solid foundation for her standout final round. Her remarkable 64 on Sunday propelled her well ahead of the competition, although she concluded with a 73 in the final round. Despite this, her overall performance secured her a decisive win, finishing 19 shots ahead of the competition's winning pace.
Minjee Lee closed the tournament with a strong 67, finishing at 277. This left her six strokes behind Takeda, as she claimed second place. Meanwhile, Jeeno Thitikul faced a challenging final round, closing with a disappointing 74 and ending up 13 strokes off the pace.
Takeda's victory at the Blue Bay tournament underscores her rapidly rising status in professional golf. Her ability to maintain composure and deliver under pressure has been a key factor in her recent successes. As she continues to make her mark on the LPGA Tour, Takeda's growing list of accolades is a testament to her skill and determination.
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