Kuwaki beats Henseleit in play-off to win Women's Open
Shiho Kuwaki holds her nerve to beat Esther Henseleit after two play-off holes to become the second consecutive Japanese player to win the Women's Open.
Shiho Kuwaki clinched victory in the Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes after a thrilling play-off with Esther Henseleit. The tense final round saw both golfers push each other to their limits, with Henseleit initially forcing the match into sudden death after matching par with Kuwaki. As the drama unfolded on the 18th hole, Henseleit's drive struck a course marshal and ended up in a gorse bush, leaving her unable to save par and handing Kuwaki a two-putt victory worth £1.11 million.
Overjoyed, Kuwaki praised the honour of competing at this stage, hoping to inspire team Japan. Henseleit, despite her misfortune, was satisfied with her performance and praised her resilience.
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