'Championship → Runner-up → Runner-up → Runner-up → Championship → Championship' Streak, LPGA World No. 1 Nelly Koda Wins Riviera Maya Open for Third Title... Korean Player Soobin Cho Finishes 8th

*This content was translated by AI.

'World No. 1 in women's golf' Nelly Koda (28, USA) secured her third victory of the season. Notably, with this win, Koda tied the record held by 'living legend of women's golf' Annika Sörenstam (56, Sweden) of six consecutive tournaments with at least a runner-up finish.

On the 4th (Korean time), Koda shot a 3-under-par 69 in the final round of the LPGA Tour Riviera Maya Open (total purse $2.5 million) held at El Camaleon Golf Course (par 72) in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. She recorded one eagle, two birdies, and one bogey.

With a final total of 17-under-par 271, Koda comfortably finished four strokes ahead of second-place Arpichaya Yulibol (Thailand, 13-under-par 275) to lift the championship trophy. The winning prize was $375,000 (approximately 550 million won at Hanwha).

Koda, who had won last week's major championship, the Chevron Championship, claimed back-to-back titles this week. She also achieved three victories this season. Her career LPGA Tour wins have now increased to 18 since her debut in 2017.

Most impressively, Koda's consistency this season is remarkable. In all six tournaments she has entered this year, she has finished second or better. After winning the season opener, she secured runner-up finishes in three consecutive tournaments. She then won back-to-back events in her most recent two tournaments, tying Sörenstam's historic record.

Starting the final round three strokes ahead in sole possession of the lead, Koda solidified her position by making an eagle on the 5th hole (par 5). She then made consecutive birdies on the 6th and 7th holes, breaking the resolve of the chasers.

Meanwhile, among Korean players, Soobin Cho (22) achieved the best result. Cho finished in sole 8th place (including co-8th) with a total of 6-under-par 282. Having debuted on the LPGA in 2023, Cho successfully recorded her second career top-10 finish.

Additionally, Minji Kang (27) finished in co-9th place with a total of 5-under-par 283, bringing two Korean players into the top 10. Jinhee Lim (28) finished in co-13th place with 4-under-par 284, while tour rookie Yumin Hwang (23) finished in co-20th place with 3-under-par 285, concluding the tournament.

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*This content was translated by AI.