SUZHOU (China) Nov 3, 2013: Gwladys Nocera of France birdied the last three holes to clinch the Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open title by two strokes from defending champion Carlota Ciganda of Spain after a windy and overcast final day at Suzhou Taihu International Golf Club.
The 38-year-old fired a final round seven-under 65 – with five birdies in the last six holes –for a three-round total of 15 under par, collecting her 12th Ladies European Tour victory.
Ciganda shot a 68, while 17-year-old Chinese amateur Jing Yan had a 67 to end on 12 under par in solo third place.
Nocera said the win made amends for the disappointment of 2009, when she finished second, a stroke behind Korea’s Bo Mi Suh, after being penalised two strokes for reporting late to the tee.
“I finished second with a stroke penalty so I didn’t feel like I deserved it and I knew I had revenge to take. It took me a while but I have my revenge and it’s nice,” said Nocera, who won the Allianz Ladies Slovak Open in June.
She was later dressed in Chinese costume and carried on a chariot by four men dressed like Chinese warriors to the prize presentation area. “Wow! That was great and innovative, arriving for prize presentation on a chariot. It was pretty fun,” she said after receiving the trophy.
Nocera fired three birdies on the front nine, at the first, fourth and fifth holes, then three putted the 10th for bogey. But she stayed patient and picked up birdies at13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 to deny Ciganda.
For Ciganda, it was so close and yet so far. After a great front nine, with four birdies, she stalled with two bogeys on 11 and 13 before recovering with two birdies. She had a 30 metre putt on the 18th green for an eagle which would have forced a play-off, but ended up with a par.
The Ladies European Tour now takes a three week break, before the Hero Women’s
Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club, which will be the penultimate tournament of the
year.
