England’s Charley Hull says her game is “going in the right direction” after finishing joint third at the Saudi Ladies International in Riyadh.
Hull hit five birdies in her two-under-par final round of 70 to finish on nine under alongside Japan’s Katsu Minami.
“Top three is pretty good, I’m happy about that,” she said.
Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit carded a seven-under 65 to complete a dominant wire-to-wire victory by seven shots from Germany’s Esther Henseleit.
Hull is without a tournament win since 2022 but has finished in the top 10 on her past three appearances, including her first event of the 2024 season at the LPGA Tournament of Champions in Florida last month.
“My first event on the LPGA a few weeks ago was a top-10 finish and then another top-10 here, so my game is definitely going in the right direction,” said the 27-year-old.
“I left so many putts out there. I felt like I didn’t putt too badly, but there were just some little mis-reads and I’m happy with my performance. I hit it so well. It was tricky”
Tavatanakit began the day with a three-shot lead and quickly extended that advantage with a birdie on the first and a 12-foot putt for an eagle on the fifth.
Five further birdies followed to stay well clear of the chasing pack, with her only dropped shot coming at the 17th.
It is Tavatanakit’s first Ladies European Tour victory and fifth overall, though her first since winning her solitary major to date at the 2021 Ana Inspiration.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve played this good,” said the 24-year-old, who won $750,000 from the $5m (£4m) prize fund.
“It’s very emotional, I’m very emotional right now with how I have overcome that and looking back it was just one day at a time, keep working hard.
“I’m just so grateful for the people I have around me and my life. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m just soaking it all in right now. It’s incredible. Just being here in Saudi and I was able to do that. It’s unreal.”
Henseleit says she is aiming for a place on the European Solheim Cup team in September after the German rounded off a solid week with a final-round 69 to finish two shots clear in second.
“Solheim Cup is definitely on my list for this year. It would be an honour to play for Europe,” said the 25-year-old. “It’s always been my dream since I was a little girl. I’m trying my best to be there, so we will see.”
