GOLD COAST, February 5, 2012 (AFP) - Christel Boeljon of the Netherlands held her nerve in a gripping four-way finish to win the Australian Ladies Masters at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
Boeljon hit the front for the first time at the 72nd hole after sinking a one-metre birdie to snatch the title.
Boeljon had rounds of 66-65-68-68 for a 21-under 267, to be one clear of overnight leader and US Women’s Open champion Ryu So-Yeon (66-61-69-72), who led by four shots after the second round.
The 21-year-old South Korean had a disappointing final round, struggling into a tie for second with Italian Diana Luna (71-64-66-67) and South Korean Kim Ha-Neul (72-65-64-67).
Leading final-round scores in the Aus$500,000 ($538,000) Australian Ladies Masters at Royal Pines Resort course (par-72) on Sunday (Australian unless stated):
267 - Christel Boeljon (NED) 66-65-68-68
268 - Kim Ha-Neul (KOR) 72-65-64-67, Ryu So-Yeon (KOR) 66-61-69-72, Diana Luna (ITA) 71-64-66-67
270 - Gwladys Nocera (FRA) 69-68-69-64
273 - Felicity Johnson (ENG) 67-68-70-68, Lee Bo-Mee (KOR) 65-69-70-69
275 - Lindsey Wright 70-71-66-68, Danielle Kang (USA) 70-71-66-68, Nikki Campbell 67-67-70-71
276 - Giulia Sergas (ITA) 70-68-68-70, Karine Icher (FRA) 73-70-69-64, Sophie Gustafson (SWE) 69-70-70-67, Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 72-71-69-64
277 - Kylie Walker (SCO) 71-71-66-69, Lexi Thompson (USA) 67-70-72-68, Frances Bondad 68-72-63-74, Kang Haeji (KOR) 73-66-71-67