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AMERICA’S Nelly Korda landed the first major of her career and moved to world number one with a three-shot win at the Women’s PGA Championship in Atlanta.
The 22-year-old started the final day level with compatriot Lizette Salas at the top of the leaderboard.
However, Korda had two eagles in a four-under final round of 68 as she won on 19 under, with Salas recording a 71.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work and to finally get a major championship… I don’t even have the words,” Korda said.
The decisive hole was the par-five 12th, which Korda played in three shots, while Salas signed for a bogey six to fall four shots adrift.
And although Korda had a double-bogey five at the par-three 15th, Salas was unable to close the gap further, finishing with six straight pars and a total of 16 under.
Italy’s Giulia Molinaro and Kim Hyo-joo of South Korea finished a further six shots behind on 10 under.
Korda’s older sister Jessica finish tied for 15th at four under, alongside a clutch of players including Ireland’s Leona Maguire., who fired a closing 71.
English pair Georgia Hall and Charley Hull were a further shot back.
First-round leader Salas was overtaken with a tournament record-equalling nine-under-par 63 from Korda in Friday’s second round and the pair found themselves tied for the lead after Saturday’s play.
The victory for Korda, daughter of former Czech tennis player Petr Korda, came a week after her fifth career win at the Meijer Classic.
“I had a great week last week and carried the momentum into this week,” she said.
“This is something I have worked for since I was 14, since I played in my first tournament I wanted to be a major champion and to get it done here, it’s really special.
“Lizette played really well as well, I just tried to keep a level head and take it one shot at a time.”
BBC Sport
– June 28, 2021 @ 09:00 GMT
Tags: Women's PGA Championship: Nelly Korda lands first major
