Chan, who had earlier holed a 12-foot birdie putt on the final green to force sudden death, made a solid par after her opponent drove out of bounds to claim her second victory in a professional event – and boost her hopes of qualifying for the elite 60-woman field at the Olympics Games this summer.
"I'm so emotional and I can't express how happy I am right now," said the University of Southern California student, who moved up to No 13 in the world amateur rankings, making her the highest-ranked female amateur player from the Asia-Pacific region. "I'm so thankful for the support I've had. To win on my home course makes it all the more special. Without the support I've had today I don't think I could have done it."
Chan, who trailed overnight leader Pan Yen-ling of Chinese Taipei by two strokes, looked to have blown her chances after failing to convert birdie opportunities at both the 16th and 17th holes. But her last-gasp putt at the 18th, which was met with a thunderous roar from the large number of spectators who had gathered greenside, gave her the momentum – and the belief – she needed heading into the play-off.
"I wasn't putting the way I wanted," said Chan, who had Hong Kong international Steven Lam caddying for her throughout the week. "I missed a few short putts during the round but on the 18th I knew I had to make it. I only had one chance and I put 200% effort into it. Steven kept telling me I had to make it; I said the same to myself. I'm just so glad it went in. It was the best putt I've ever made," added Chan, whose teammates rushed on to the green to douse her in water after the she had sunk the winning putt."
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