Thailand's Phatlum wins Dubai Ladies Masters by a stroke over Lewis
Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum rallied to win the Dubai Ladies Masters on Saturday, hitting a 54-degree wedge to 2 feet on the par-5 final hole for a birdie and a one-stroke victory over American Stacy Lewis.
The 24-year-old Phatlum closed with a 6-under 66 to finish at 15-under 273 in the Ladies European Tour's season-ending event. She also birdied the par-4 17th at Emirates Golf Course.
''I am very excited,'' Phatlum said. ''I just played my own game and stayed calm under pressure. I have learned how to stay focused through meditation. ... When I'm on the course, I just play my game and I didn't think about the win. ... I don't want to pressure myself.''
The third-ranked Lewis, a three-time winner this year on the LPGA Tour, bogeyed the par-3 15th and closed with three pars for a 69. She missed a 40-foot birdie putt on No. 18.
''I'm disappointed,'' Lewis said. ''The back nine that Pornanong played was pretty impressive. She hit golf shots when she needed to and made the putts and I didn't. It's been a really good year. It's had its highs and lows. I've played some really consistent golf.''
Phatlum, 23rd this year on the LPGA Tour money list with $600,210, earned $102,770 for her second LET victory. She also won the 2012 Women's Indian Open.
Spain's Carlota Ciganda was third at 7 under after a 71.
