Emotional Ko retains HSBC Women’s World Championship title

Ko Jin-young 

SINGAPORE, AFP: South Korea’s Ko Jin-young became the first player to successfully defend her HSBC Women’s World Championship title when she closed with a three-under-par 69 in Singapore on Sunday.

Victory at the Sentosa Golf Club, with a 17-under-par total of 271, was especially sweet for the world number five because it also marked her return to the winner’s circle for the first time since her win at the same venue last year.

“It was a great honour to defend my title,” Ko said.

“This week has just been too long for me. I didn’t want to lose to the other players, especially today. So I tried really hard to keep a poker face throughout the day and when I finally won, I just couldn’t control my emotions anymore.” 

A wrist injury had threatened to stall the 27-year-old’s career since her 2022 victory and, despite admitting she has not fully recovered, Ko continued to prove she has enough class to lift her 14th LPGA Tour title in Singapore.

“This is indeed a very special week for me. It’s my 14th LPGA win but also the most important one. I was injured last year and I fought really hard to make my comeback, both physically and mentally. So, it means a lot,” she said.