Xiyu Lin Secures Third Ladies European Tour Title in Playoff Victory
Xiyu Lin, a Chinese golfer, claimed her third Ladies European Tour (LET) title after a playoff victory at the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Hong Kong. The tournament faced adverse weather conditions due to Typhoon Koinu, and the final round had to be cancelled with a T8 alert issued by the government.
After the second round on Saturday, Xiyu Lin and Korea’s Jin Young Ko were tied at the top of the leaderboard with both players at 11-under-par. With the tournament being shortened to 36 holes, a playoff was held on Sunday morning to determine the winner.
On the first playoff hole, Jin Young Ko found the water with her second shot, but managed to recover by landing her fourth shot close to the pin. Xiyu Lin had a chance to secure victory with a par putt, but she missed on the right side, resulting in a five. Ko also made a five with her putt, and the players had to return to the tee.
In challenging weather conditions with wind and rain, Xiyu Lin landed her second shot on the edge of the green, while Ko was off the green on the right-hand side. Lin then made an impressive birdie putt, putting pressure on Ko, who needed to hole her chip shot. Despite a good effort, Ko was unable to make a birdie, allowing Xiyu Lin to clinch her third LET title.
In an interview after her victory, Xiyu Lin expressed her happiness at winning and the significance of the achievement. She mentioned the nerves she felt after missing the winning putt on the first playoff hole but quickly regrouped. Lin emphasized the importance of capturing a win in front of top-ranked players and the support she received from local fans. She concluded by saying that the victory holds a special place in her heart.
This victory marked Xiyu Lin’s first success in a playoff after contending in two previous playoffs on the LPGA Tour. Despite the losses, Lin remained patient and believed her time would come. She acknowledged the challenge of playing against Jin Young Ko, one of the world’s best players, but credited her patience and handling of the conditions for her success.
Among other notable performances in the tournament, Anne Van Dam finished in third place, while Stephanie Kyriacou and Nuria Iturrioz tied for fourth. The Race to Costa del Sol rankings saw Celine Boutier maintaining her lead, followed by Johanna Gustavsson and Ana Peláez Triviño. Xiyu Lin’s victory propelled her to 9th place in the standings.
Xiyu Lin’s playoff victory in Hong Kong showcased her talent and resilience. As she continues to compete on the LET, her achievements in the sport are sure to inspire and motivate other aspiring golfers.