SPORT / GOLF
17-year-old Pang Runzhi wins Singapore Ladies Masters
Published: Jun 17, 2024 03:36 AM
17-year-old Pang braves fatigue to win Singapore Ladies Masters Photo: Courtesy of Lagula National Golf Resort Club

17-year-old Pang braves fatigue to win Singapore Ladies Masters Photo: Courtesy of Lagula National Golf Resort Club



 
China's Pang Runzhi, 17, won the Singapore Ladies Masters by a single shot over compatriot Cai Danlin, becoming the first Chinese female golfer to win in Singapore. This was also the only tournament in China's premier women's golf circuit held outside the country in the 2024 season.

The Singapore Ladies Masters, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, is a significant event on the China Ladies Professional Golfers' Association (CLPGA) calendar. The tournament was held outside China to provide a platform for top female golfers from the region  to compete.

Pang's victory came after weather disruptions forced her to play 33 holes on the final day. She made four consecutive birdies in the morning and held steady in the final round to clinch the title. 

"I played 33 holes today and it was mentally and physically exhausting. But I took it all in stride and I'm really happy I managed to get my breakthrough in just my fourth start in the CLPGA," said the 17-year-old.

Cai Danlin finished second. Leading in the first and second rounds, Cai lost a chance to force overtime after missing an 8-foot birdie putt.

"I could not hit my shots as far as I wanted to toward the end of the round as it was a very long and tiring day. But congratulations to Pang for being a worthy champion," said Cai.

 India's Hitaashee Bakshi secured third place. Other notable performances included those from Malaysia's Jocelyn Chee and Thai golfers Chonlada Chayanun, Patcharajutar Kongkraphan, and Kultida Pramphun, who tied for fourth.