As Kerr falters, Ji claims Women's Open

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Eun Hee Ji found surprising calm in a double bogey and a dramatic victory with an improbable birdie.

The 23-year-old from South Korea made a lengthy birdie putt on the 72nd hole to emerge from a Sunday scramble with an even-par 71 and claim the U.S. Women's Open.

She outlasted playing partner and third-round leader Cristie Kerr, who struggled from the outset in the final round and failed in her bid for a second Women's Open title in three years.

"I didn't even dream about winning this tournament, but, well, I did it, and I think this is going to be one of the most memorable moments in my life," Ji said through an interpreter.

Ji recovered from 2 bogeys in her first four holes and a double bogey at the 10th, making 3 birdies over the final six holes to finish at even-par 284 at Saucon Valley Country Club.

Another of a legion of South Korean players who were inspired to play the game by 1998 champion Se Ri Pak, Ji claimed the biggest prize in women's golf in just her second try. Last year, she tied for 42nd.

She is the second straight South Korean to win the event, following Inbee Park. Countrywoman Birdie Kim claimed the championship in 2005.

Candie Kung of Taiwan had a 2-under 69 and was alone in second at 1-over 285.

Despite her struggles, Kerr held the lead until the back nine and shot a 4-over 75, tying In-Kyung Kim of South Korea for third at 2-over 286.

Ji said the double bogey at the 10th had a calming effect, and that's when she tried to focus on making a run. She went on to make birdies at 13th, 14th and 18th.

"Up until that point, Cristie Kerr was so far ahead, I just didn't think anyone was going to be able to catch her," Ji said. "But after that double bogey on No. 10, I basically cleared my mind and said, 'Let's go and play out the rest of the round.' "

Kerr, the 2007 Women's Open champ failed to produce anything similar to the three workmanlike rounds that gave her the only under-par round through the first three days and a 2-stroke lead over Ji heading into the final round.

After a bogey on the first hole and had a birdie at the third to get back to 2-under, Kerr had back-to-back bogeys at the fifth and sixth. She dropped into black numbers for the first time in the championship with a bogey at the 13th.

Her troubles continued down the stretch as she rolled a birdie putt past the hole at the 16th and missed the comebacker, settling for a bogey that dropped her to 2 over. She failed to make lengthy birdie putts at the 17th and 18th.

"Not playing the way I did the last three days, this golf course is pretty much all I can handle, and I just didn't play as well," Kerr said.

Brittany Lincicome, who made an eagle putt on the 72nd hole earlier this year to win the Kraft Nabisco, placed fifth after a 1-under 70 left her at 3-over 287.

Top-ranked Lorena Ochoa posted a final round 1-over 72, tying for 26th at 9-over 293 and failing in her bid to claim her first Women's Open.