Lincicome defends crown in LPGA opener

MIAMI: American Brittany Lincicome birdied four of Sunday’s last five holes to win her second consecutive LPGA Bahamas Classic, finishing in near-darkness to capture the shortened season opener by two strokes.

The 32-year-old Floridian fired a seven-under par 66 in the final round to complete 54 holes at 12-under par 207 to defeat Taiwan’s Hsu Wei-Ling, who shot 68 to close on 209.With portable lights used to illuminate pre-dawn practice areas turned upon the 18th green, Lincicome sank an eight-foot birdie putt to complete the low round of the tournament and take the trophy again.

“I’m on cloud nine,” she said. “And I’ve never defended before either. It’s unbelievable.”The event was shortened to 54 holes after high winds wiped out most play Friday and forced Lincicome to complete a second-round 67 on Sunday morning.

With five players deadlocked atop the leaderboard at nine-under, Lincicome seized command on the back nine with a 10-foot birdie putt at 14, a six-foot birdie putt at the par-5 15th, another 10-foot birdie at the par-3 17th and her closing clincher.“My putter really saved me all day,” said Lincicome.