PATTAYA: South Korea's Amy Yang carded a three-under-par 69 in the final round to win the US$1.5 million Honda LPGA Thailand by two strokes yesterday.
Yang took her total to 15-under 273 at the Siam Country Club Old Course in Chon Buri for her second LPGA title.
World No.3 Lewis (72), who was the leader after each of the previous three rounds, was joined at second by Taiwan's Tseng Yani (67) and South Korean Lee Mi-Rim (69) on 13-under.
Fresh from her runner-up finish at the Women's Australian Open last week, the 25-year-old Yang made five birdies and two bogeys to land the title. It was her second win on the LPGA Tour after success at the LPGA KEB-HanaBank Championship in her home soil two years ago.
Spain's Beatriz Recari fired a record-equalling 63 with 11 birdies and two bogeys to tie for fifth place with Kim Sei-Yong of South Korea on 276.
Former champions Park In-Bee (65) and Suzann Pettersen (67) were joint seventh on 277 with Germany's Sandra Gal (72).
"I feel great and I still can't believe I did it today," said Yang, who took home $225,000. "I was a little bit nervous out there, but I tried to focus on how low I can go today, just focus on my game."
A shot behind overnight leader Lewis after three rounds, Yang sank three birdies to lead at 15-under after nine holes while Lewis, who made two birdies and one bogey, was on 14-under.
The Korean then got a birdie at the 10th to move to 16-under but dropped a shot at the 14th. Both players were levelled on 15-under after Lewis birdied the 14th hole.
Stacy Lewis.
The twist came at the next hole where Yang birdied to move to 16-under while Lewis double-bogeyed. Yang dropped a shot at the 16th but managed to hold her nerves to win the title.
"Honestly, I am so nervous," said Yang, adding that she tried to keep calm by telling herself that it was just a practice round.
"I saw the ball falling in and I feel like it is a dream. It is a great feeling.
"The course suits me well. I just felt so comfortable out there," added the champion.
Yang, who will move up from 16th to 11th in the world rankings, was the third Korean to win on the first four tournaments this year after Choi Na-Yeon (Coates Golf Championship) and Kim Sei-Young (Bahamas LPGA Classic).
Former world No.1 Tseng said that she played really well in the final round and looked forward to returning to Thailand again.
"I just missed a bunch of putts out there," said the Taiwanese, who won here in 2011 and 2012. "I was just actually a little nervous out there when I putting.
"I don't know, just maybe thinking a little more on my putting than others."
The best among seven local players was Ariya Jutanugarn who posted a final 67 to tie for 13th. Joining her on 11-under 280 including British Open champion Mo Martin (71) and defending champion Anna Nordqvist (69).
The 19-year-old Thai put on a great show yesterday after poor third round. She sank eight birdies to stay at 11-under after 14 holes. Unfortunately, she bogeyed three out of the last four holes.
"Even though pin position is tough, it is easy because it is not windy," said Ariya, who got $20,064 (approx 642,048 bath).
The Thai rookie admitted she put too much pressure on herself this week.
"I will try to set a target for each round instead of for the whole tournament," said Ariya. "I still want to win at least one tournament this year."
Pornanong Phatlum (68) and Jessica Korda (69) shared 32nd on four-under 284 while Moriya Jutanugarn (70) was a stroke down further on 285 with Michelle Wie (72) and Cristie Kerr (73).
Amateur Paphangkorn Tavatanakit (76) shared 43rd on 287. Busabakorn Sukapan (77), who was in her final competition as an amateur, and Thidapa Suwannapura (73) were joint 49th on 289.
Sherman Santhiwiwatthanaphong shot a final 73 to finish on 307, two shots better than last placed Pak Se-Ri of South Korea (77).