Shadoff goes wire-to-wire for Mediheal title; Yuka Saso second

Yuka Saso’s late charge produces a runnerup finish. —AFP.

LOS ANGELES—England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff captured her first career Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) title on Sunday, holding off a host of rivals for a wire-to-wire triumph at the LPGA Mediheal Championship.

Shadoff fired a one-under par 71 to finish 72 holes on 15-under 273 for a one-stroke victory at The Saticoy Club in Somis, west of Los Angeles.

The 34-year-old Briton made her victory breakthrough in her 246th career LPGA start.

“Surreal,” Shadoff said of the feeling. “I’ve waited a long time for this. There have been many times in my career I didn’t think this was ever going to happen so really grateful in this moment.”

Japan’s Yuka Saso, who represented the Philippines previously before switching nationalities, made a late charge to shoot 66 and finish second on 274 with fast-closing Georgia Hall of England, Paula Reto of South Africa and American Danielle Kang sharing third on 275.

World No. 93 Shadoff had not won a title in 12 LPGA seasons but was third at June’s ShopRite Classic, her best result since a runner-up effort at the 2017 British Women’s Open.

After battling injuries and self-doubt, Shadoff can finally say she’s an LPGA champion.

“I’ve been through a lot in the past couple of years, injuries and last year was really tough. I found it a pretty significant mental challenge to get through that,” Shadoff said.

“There were times during last year I didn’t think I would be playing this year so to be stood here today is really awesome. I didn’t give up on myself. I have a lot to be grateful for.” —Reuters