SANYA, China — Rio Takeda delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday, shooting an impressive 8-under 64 to clinch victory at the LPGA’s Blue Bay tournament. Finishing six strokes ahead of Australia’s Minjee Lee, this victory marks the second LPGA title for the young Japanese golfer.
At just 21 years old, Takeda completed the tournament at 17-under 271 over four rounds on the scenic southern island of Hainan in China. She maintained consistent play with opening rounds of 69 before sealing her triumph with the remarkable 64 on the final day.
Minjee Lee made a strong finish with a 67, securing second place at 277, while Japan’s Ayaka Furue came in third. Furue concluded her tournament with a 68 to reach a score of 10-under 278.
Takeda’s ascent in the world of golf has been swift, having previously won her inaugural LPGA title four months prior at the Toto Japan Classic. That victory came in a thrilling six-hole sudden-death playoff.
Jeeno Thitikul, the world’s second-ranked LPGA player, experienced a less satisfying outcome, closing with a 74, placing her 13 strokes behind Takeda’s lead, and finishing at 4-under 284.
China’s Ruoning Yin, ranked fourth globally, also had a challenging tournament. She ended with a score of 73, falling 19 shots short of the lead, despite entering the competition with high expectations.