Thitikul and Yin clinch victory at LPGA pairs tournament

Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul and China's Yin Ruoning clinched victory at the LPGA Great Lakes Bay Invitational with a dramatic 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, finishing at 22-under 258 to edge out Americans Jennifer Kupcho and Ally Ewing by one stroke. The duo showcased stellar teamwork and skill, with Atthaya sinking three crucial birdies on par-3 holes during the final round. This win marks Atthaya's third LPGA title and Yin's third career triumph, including her first major victory at the 2023 Women's PGA Championship. The tournament featured a unique format with teams playing alternate shot in the first and third rounds, and four-ball in the second and fourth rounds. Ewing and Kupcho secured second place with a strong performance, while the Danish duo of Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Nicole Broch Estrup, along with the South Korean pairing of Kang Hae-ji and Kim In-kyung, shared third place. Notable performances also came from England's Charley Hull and Georgia Hall, as well as the Australian-American duo of Grace Kim and Auston Kim, who finished tied for fifth. Yin and Atthaya had set the tone early in the tournament by birdieing five of the last seven holes in the opening round to grab a share of the lead. Despite a lone bogey during the final round, they displayed resilience and composure to secure the victory. The event featured a field of 72 pairs, with the cut being made to the low 33 and ties after 36 holes, ensuring competitive play throughout the tournament. Overall, the LPGA Great Lakes Bay Invitational showcased thrilling golf action and strong performances from international pairs. Atthaya and Yin's victory highlighted their talent and teamwork, solidifying their status as rising stars in the world of golf. The event provided a platform for players from different countries to compete and showcase their skills, adding to the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament.