Angel Yin fends off Akie Iwai, wins LPGA Thailand

Angel Yin staved off the challenge of Japan's Akie Iwai on Sunday to etch her name into LPGA Tour history with a record-breaking victory at the Honda LPGA Thailand.

Entering play with a five-stroke lead, Yin carded seven birdies during her bogey-free round to finish at 7-under-par 65 on Sunday and 28-under 260 for the tournament at Siam Country Club's Pattaya Old Course. She broke the 72-hole tournament scoring record set by Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Xiyu Lin in 2022.

Yin's steady play was just enough to keep Iwai at bay and wrap up her second career LPGA Tour title. Iwai, who began the tourney with a 62, was one stroke better on Sunday with an 18-hole course-record 61.

"I mean, I've never played the final round with a five-shot lead. I knew I wasn't super comfortable. It's not a tournament or golf course where five shots is a lot," Yin said. "Considering that Akie shot Thursday 10-under, I knew she was able and capable of shooting a low score. Along with Jeeno (Thitikul), Moriya (Jutanugarn), and Patty (Tavatanakit), and everyone that was playing, like A Lim (Kim) who won in the beginning of the year.

"I knew I just needed to keep playing how I was playing and we'll see what happens."

Iwai momentarily shared the lead at 24-under after a birdie on the 12th hole. The 22-year-old finished with 10 birdies over her first 16 holes before taking a step back with a bogey at the par-4 17th.

Iwai ended with a closing eagle; however, Yin birdied her final hole to pocket the first-prize check of $255,000 for winning the tournament, her first since capturing the Buick LPGA Shanghai in 2023.

"One time I catch up Angel, but she is really good," Iwai said. "... There is no room to get in. She played much better than me. That's it."

Yin's 260 was seven strokes better than her previous best 72-hole score set at the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship.

The 26-year-old Californian also recorded the lowest 72-hole score in relation to par on the LPGA Tour since Lydia Ko at the 2021 LOTTE Championship.

Thitikul, a runner-up in 2021, carded a 67 on Sunday to finish in third place at 21-under for the tournament.

"Everything is about process, and then if it's good, it's good. If it's not good, just take it. It's just life," Thitkul said. "You can't be good all the day and then you can't be bad all week long."

Fellow Thai natives Tavatanakit (65), the defending champion, and Jutanugarn (68) tied for fourth place at 19-under.

--Field Level Media