Korean Shin cruises to victory in Ricoh women's open golf (From Wirral Globe)

Korean Shin cruises to victory in Ricoh Women's open golf

11:31am Monday 17th September 2012 in News By Geoff Barnes

KOREAN golfer Jiyai Shin cruised serenely to a record nine-stroke victory as the hopes of the rest of the Women’s British Open field were blown away by fierce winds and torrential rain at Royal Liverpool.

Shin stayed calm throughout the onslaught – a 15 minute break was called at the height of the storm – and continually found the hole with laser-like putting as most of her rivals floundered.

Brollies were blown inside-out and spectators huddled together in whatever shelter they could find as the famous links course was pelted by nature’s fury.

After receiving her trophy Shin said: “It was a long, very tough day out there. But I kept my focus and concentrated on every shot; when I made the winning putt it was great.”

The 24-year-old South Korean player secured her second major championship in five years. She also won for the second time in seven days on the LPGA Tour.

She beat popular American golfer Paula Creamer on the ninth hole of a playoff in the Kingsmill Championship in Virginia.

Creamer finished the Hoylake tournament on one over par to claim third place.

Commenting on the weather conditions sae said: “It was like standing under a shower. It was hard, my goodness gracious. I’ve always said Solheim (the women’s Ryder Cup-style contest between Europe and the USA) in Sweden was one of the toughest conditions I’ve ever played in. I think this tops that.”

Shin completed an Asian sweep of this year’s four women’s majors. Asian players have won nine of the last 12 majors.