2007 Hong Kong Ladies Masters - Round 3: Libby Smith claims maiden pro title

Libby Smith of the USA clinched her maiden professional title by winning the US$80,000 Hong Kong Ladies Masters at the Discovery Bay Golf Club, by one shot over Chinese Taipei player Shih Huei Ju.

It was an eventful day for Smith, who was fired up by an albatross on the fourth hole, then had to hold her nerve during a dramatic playoff on the 18th hole to clinch the title.

Smith could have wrapped up the title in regulation play but she bogeyed the final hole, while Shih Huei Ju playing in the last flight birdied the final to force a playoff. Both players registered a three-round total of 212 (four under).

In the playoff Shih Huei Ju missed a four-foot putt to drop a stroke, while Smith holed from three feet to clinch her first professional career win.

"It's difficult to express how I feel right now," Smith said as she walked off the green to the open arms of her former coach Cliff Barlow, who picked her up and said aloud "You made my dreams come true." Barlow who gave Smith her first lesson in Vermont, USA was a surprise visitor. "It brought tears to my eyes to have some home support." commented Smith. During the trophy presentation, Smith gave a special mention to her current coach Leo Reynolds. "Leo's been my coach for 11 years since I was 15, he's like a second father to me and I would like to especially thank him," she said.

Smith was in fiery form throughout her final round shooting a professional ladies course record of six-under 66. Runner up Shih Huei Ju fired a four-under 68.

But it was the Albatross on the 465-yard par five hole No. 4 that really sparked her round. "I had about 216 yards to the pin, so I decided to take a three-wood. The ball landed just short of the green, had a good bounce and rolled into the cup. I couldn't believe all these things were happening to me today. I guess it is my lucky day," Smith said.

After Natalie Tucker in Macau, Smith's was the second American and non-Asian victory on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour in as many weeks.

Shih said the pressure was mounting on her, as she was about to take the putt in the playoff hole. "I couldn't control my nerves and tapped the ball a little bit too hard, forcing it just past the hole," she said.

Chinese Taipei's Teresa Lu who shot a two-under 70 in the final round finished third with a total of 215.

Leading Round 3 scores (par 72) - click here for a full scoreboard

212: Libby Smith (USA) 72-74-66, Shih Huei Ju (Tpe) 75-69-68 (Smith won playoff at first extra hole)

215: Teresa Lu (Tpe) 72-73-70

216: Tseng Hsiu Feng (Tpe) 73-74-69

219: Fame More (Eng) 74-75-70

220: Kelly Cap (USA) 78-72-70, , Zhang Na (Chn) 73-74-73, Yeo Ji-yae (Kor).

February 2, 2007