Jeeno Thitikul beats Angel Yin in dramatic finish to LPGA finale

Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul hit an eagle and birdie on the final two holes to take a dramatic victory in the CME Group Tour Championship in Florida.

The 21-year-old moved level with American Angel Yin on 21 under after her three on the par-five 17th.

Yin narrowly missed a lengthy putt to go to 22 under on the 18th before Thitikul, helped by a brilliant approach shot, sank her birdie putt to win the LPGA’s season-ending event to claim the $4m (£3.2m) in prize money, which is the largest in the history of women’s golf.

The two players were in the joint lead on 15 under overnight and Thitikul finished with a fourth round 65, while Yin carded a 66.

“I don’t know what happened to me on 17 and 18,” said Thitikul. “I really needed a birdie on 17 to give me a good chance but having an eagle, it was more than I can ask for.

“Hitting a really good second shot on 18 and to hole the putt, it’s like all the hard work that I’ve done has just paid off.”

Yin received $1m (£795,300) for finishing as the runner-up.

“A lot of good golf,” she added. “My game is good going into next year.

“I’m happy because this is a golf course I’m not very fond of. To play well here means a lot to me.”

World number one Nelly Korda ended 15 under with a final round 66, while England’s Charley Hull – who was four shots off the lead going into the last day – finished on -11 after a par 72 final round.