Maiden victory boosts Chinese veteran's confidence for more titles

Yan Panpan, a veteran on the Chinese LPGA Tour, believes her first win in her hometown over the weekend will boost her confidence at future events.

"This is my birthplace, so it means a lot," said 28-year-old Yan after winning the Bank of Qingdao Golden Mountain Challenge, one stroke ahead of second-placed South Korean Jang So-young.

"It's been so many years for such a victory. This is my day. I believe I can win more after this breakthrough," said Yan, who turned pro in 2007.

She reeled off five birdies over the final nine holes in windy conditions in the final round to finish at 8-under 208.

Overnight leader Shi Yuting, a rising star among China's younger generation of players, struggled to finish tied for third with compatriots Zhang Weiwei and Ye Ziqi at three shots back.

The victory was special for Yan as she grew up in the Qingdao area. After posting runner-up finishes each of the past four seasons, she was excited to finally break into the winner's circle.

Korea's Jang, winner of last year's Beijing Challenge, looked set to get her second win on Saturday when she carded three birdies over the first four holes on the back nine to get to nine-under through 13 holes.

It unraveled, however, at the 14th when she found a water hazard at the back of the green on her approach that resulted in a double-bogey 7.

"I'm a little bit disappointed. The last hole I had a five-meter putt for birdie. I checked the score and if I make the putt I could make a playoff. But I didn't hit it well and it didn't go in," she said.

The smiling runner-up said she is now looking forward to the next tour stop in Beijing.

"My irons and my putting are good, so I will win the next tournament," she said.

Shi, the overnight leader, saw the chance for her first pro win slip away early when the teenager carded a bogey 5 on the second hole, followed by a double-bogey 5 on the third.

Her troubles were further compounded by a bogey 5 at the sixth hole. After rebounding with three birdies, she closed with a bogey 6.

In March, the 17-year-old was also leading in Zhuhai going into the final round and failed to finish the job.

"I feel a little bit disappointed because this was one of my many chances this year and I failed," said the Beijing native.

Chenxiangfeng@chinadaily.com.cn