Marina Alex edges top-ranked Ko Jin-young for LPGA Palos Verdes crown

Marina Alex 

LOS ANGELES, AFP: American Marina Alex claimed a long-awaited second LPGA tour title on Sunday, firing six birdies in a five-under par 66 to win the Palos Verdes Championship by one stroke over world number one Ko Jin-young.

The 31-year-old American, who won her only other tour title at the 2018 Portland Classic, shook off an early bogey to build a 10-under par total of 274.

She powered past overnight leader Hannah Green and New Zealand’s third-ranked Lydia Ko, who started the day one back, erasing a three-shot deficit on the way to victory, and admitted she hadn’t been sure she would see the winner’s circle again.

Lydia Ko, who received stretching treatment on the course for tightness in her back, closed with her second straight 70 to share third with American Megan Khang (68) on 276.