Zeng Liqi Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Women's Challenge

Seventeen-year-old Zeng Liqi earned her third China LPGA Tour title on Friday, as the Nanchang teenager beat rookie pro Ji Yu'ai in a second-hole playoff to win the Beijing Women's Challenge.

The win was a surprise for Zeng, who closed with a two-under 70 in the sunny and warm conditions at Beijing Orient Pearl Golf Club, as the eighteen-year-old Ji, the overnight co-leader, looked to have the title in hand with a two-stroke lead going into the final hole of regulation. 

After hitting into the lip of a fairway bunker on the 499-yard, par-five 18th, Ji, who was playing in her maiden tournament as a professional, had to hit sideways to get her ball on the fairway. She then missed an 8-foot bogey putt and closed with a two-over 74. 

Zeng, who was playing one group ahead of the leaders, finished strongly with birdies on the final two holes to move up the leaderboard. Both players finished the 54 holes of regulation in six-under 210.

Zeng won 75,000 yuan ($10,616) as she celebrated her 17th birthday during the first round, which moved her to the top of the China LPGA Tour Order of Merit. Her round included three bogeys through the first seven holes, followed by five birdies over the final 11 holes.

"It's a most unexpected win that I ever had. After the final round, I was preparing a bottle of mineral water to congratulate Ji for her professional debut," she said.

For Ji, the playoff loss was "heartbreaking." Her round included two birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey.

"The worst part of my game is putting. I missed too many putts, long and short. But I still had a great chance on the last hole [in regulation]. Unfortunately, I hit into the bunker," she said. 

Ji Yu'ai Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Women's Challenge