FILE PHOTO: Jun 23, 2019; Chaska, MN, USA; Sei Young Kim plays her shot from the third tee during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
(Reuters) – Kim Sei-young sprinted clear in the final round of the Marathon Classic for a two-stroke victory over Lexi Thompson in Sylvania, Ohio, on Sunday.
After starting the day with a one-shot lead, Kim built a tournament-winning advantage with five straight birdies mid-round at Highland Meadows.
The South Korean coasted home from there to card six-under-par 65 and clinch her ninth LPGA Tour victory.
The 26-year-old tied Choi Na-yeon for the fourth most wins by a Korean player in LPGA history, behind Pak Se-ri (25), Park In-bee (19) and Shin Ji-yai (11).
Kim finished at 22-under 262, while American Thompson (66) eagled the final hole for second place on 20 under.
Korean players have now won nine LPGA tournaments this year.
Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; editing by Clare Fallon