Japan’s Ayaka Furue made a final-hole eagle to round off a brilliant late charge and claim her first major win at the Evian Championship in France.
The world number 21 started the final round a shot behind Australia’s Stephanie Kyriacou and was three back with five to play before a dramatic late surge earned Furue a one-shot victory at the Evian Resort Golf Club.
After three successive birdies from the 14th, Furue was in a three-way tie for the lead heading to the last but made the green in two and then sunk her eagle putt to take the trophy.
Furue’s superb final-round 65 saw her finish 19 under, a shot clear of Kyriacou and two ahead of Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, who shot a magnificent 63.
American Lauren Coughlin led both Kyriacou and Furue going into the back nine but bogeys at 16 and 17 saw her drop to fourth.
“Breathtaking, like incredible and I’m so speechless,” Furue said.
The 24-year-old is Japan’s third women’s major winner after Hinako Shibuno, winner of the 2019 Women’s Open, and Hisako Higuchi, winner of the 1977 LPGA Championship.
Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh, who shared the lead after round one, and England’s Georgia Hall finished tied for 17th on seven under after finishing with rounds of 71 and 70 respectively.
