Korda wins after six-way playoff at Royal Melbourne
Jessica Korda wins an Australian Open, just like her Dad.
By Andrea Petrie
A birdie at the second playoff hole has earned American teenager Jessica Korda her first professional win at the Women’s Australian Open following a six-way sudden-death playoff at Royal Melbourne.
The 18-year-old maintained her composure against Koreans Hee Kyung Seo, So Yeon Ryu, American’s Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lincicome and Paraguay’s Julieta Granada after they all finished on three-under-par at the 72nd hole, forcing the first six-way playoff in the LPGA since 1999.
All players managed to par the opening playoff hole. But after the convoy of carts headed back to the 18th tee again, Korda rolled in a seven-metre birdie putt to claim the $165,000 winners cheque.
Korda’s father Petr won the 1998 Australian Open tennis championship. She said she was thrilled with the win.
“I was so, so nervous. I really wanted to make that birdie, but it took a couple more tries,” she said. “This is the first win, but hopefully there will be more.”
Korda is only in her second year on the professional LPGA Tour.
Australians Sarah Kemp and Nikki Campbell tied for 12th at one over, meanwhile New Zealand amateur Lydia Ko finished at three-over in a tie for 19th.
