American Danielle Kang shoots tournament record to win LPGA Shanghai

Danielle Kang shot a bogey-free 2-under-par 70 to win the Buick LPGA Shanghai for the second consecutive year on Sunday with a tournament record 16-under 272.

The 27-year-old San Francisco native began the day one stroke behind compatriot Jessica Korda, who shot 72 to finish second at 15- under.

“It was a really stressful day. I definitely played well out there. It was really tough because you’re definitely watching what Jessica is shooting and scoring, and always just try to keep in my own game,” said Kang.

Kang birdied the 15th to pull two strokes ahead, but Korda responded with a birdie on 17. Kang then holed a 3-foot par putt on the 18th to win her third career title.

“There were a lot of birdie opportunities. I made some really great up and downs. I’ve never been more nervous than the last putt for some reason, but I made it,” Kang said.

Korda had three birdies and three bogeys on the day.

“You know, just couldn’t get anything going today. It was just one of those days where it just wasn’t meant to be, I guess,” said Korda.

Liu Yu shot a 7-under 65 to surge into a three-way tie for third with Nasa Hataoka and LPGA rookie Kristen Gillman at 13-under, and the best finish of Gillman’s career.

The Buick LPGA Shanghai was the first of four consecutive events in Asia. The tour moves to Busan, South Korea, this week for the BMW Ladies Championship.

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