Lin Qianhui
China’s Lin Qianhui delivered a breakthrough performance on home soil Saturday, capturing her first professional title with a two-shot victory at the Beijing Women’s Challenge. Battling gusty winds and high pressure, the 21-year-old Beijing native carded an even-par 72 to seal the win at Beijing Orient Pearl Golf Club, finishing with a three-day total of eight-under 208.
The final round unfolded under clearer skies following a night of heavy rain and thunderstorms, but blustery conditions posed a serious test. Lin, a fifth-year pro, rose to the occasion and pocketed the RMB75,000 winner’s cheque—marking a milestone in her burgeoning career.
“Winning in my hometown with so many fans and friends here—this is pure joy,” said an emotional Lin. “It’s been a long road, and I finally made it. The pressure lifted when I got to the 18th with a cushion, and maybe that’s why I lost focus a bit there.”
Lin’s round featured steady play early, reeling off nine straight pars on the front nine. She grabbed her first birdie on the par-four 10th, sticking her approach to within inches from 114 yards. Another birdie followed on the 13th, taking her to 10-under for the tournament. However, a costly double-bogey at the par-five 18th, where she found a bunker and three-putted, trimmed her lead.
Despite the stumble, she held firm for the win. “I stayed locked in through the first 17 holes. On 18, I finally let my guard down knowing I had a four-shot lead.”
With her first China LPG Tour title now in hand, Lin revealed plans to attend LPGA Q-School later this year. “I attempted it last year, but I told myself I wouldn’t go back until I won at home. Now I’ve earned that right.”
Shi Yuli
Veteran Shi Yuli carded a closing 69 to share second place with first-round leader Wang Zixuan (74) at six-under. Shi, 23, secured her best finish on the CLPG Tour, having started the day six shots off the pace. “Today exceeded expectations. I was steady, and the highlight was a 25-foot birdie putt on 11. These are the moments you live for,” she said.
Amateur Wang Xinyu, just 17, emerged as the top non-pro with a composed 71, finishing tied for fourth at five-under alongside Pan Yanhong (74). Her first top-10 on tour came despite some mid-round struggles. “My irons were off, and the wind made it so tough. Every shot needed careful yardage control,” said the Guangdong-based teen.
Wang Zixuan
Overnight leader Cui Jinghan, also an amateur, faded with a final-round 77 to finish sixth.
Defending champion Ren Yijia, ranked 94th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, posted a closing 70 to end the tournament in a tie for ninth.
Results
Players are from mainland China unless indicated *denotes amateur
208 – Lin Qianhui 68-68-72
210 – Shi Yuli 68-73-69, Wang Zixuan 67-69-74
211 – Wang Xinyu* 70-70-71, Pan Yanhong 74-63-74
212 – Cui Jinghan* 72-63-77
213 – Li Menghan* 68-73-72, Lin Xinen 68-69-76
214 – Ren Yijia* 73-71-70, Sherman Santiwiwatthana (THA) 71-73-70,
Li Dongmei 72-70-72, Sui Xiang 70-69-75
215 – Liu Wenbo 70-70-75, Prima Thammaraks (THA) 71-69-75
216 – Fang Yuhan 74-71-71, Cai Danlin 75-69-72, Wu Tianqi 69-75-72,
Dolnapa Zukphokinvanich (THA) 71-73-72, Amanda Tan (SGP) 71-73-72,
Pimnipa Panthong (THA) 73-71-72, Saranporn Katesuwan (THA) 70-69-77
