Ko earns four-shot victory at Kia Classic

Omnisports

March 27, 2016 9:48 AM

Lydia Ko claimed the Kia Classic after triumphing by four strokes on Sunday, her 11th LPGA Tour victory.

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Lydia Ko claimed the LPGA Kia Classic after triumphing by four strokes on Sunday.

Ko carded a final-round 67 to reign supreme in Carlsbad, California as the 18-year-old clinched an 11th LPGA Tour win.

The New Zealander went into the fourth and final round with a three-stroke lead and was able to extend her advantage courtesy of seven birdies, finishing ahead of Inbee Park (67) at 19 under.

"I knew that I needed to focus up until the last moment and fortunately I made some birdies down the stretch that really helped me today," said Ko.

Ko admitted the victory will give her plenty of confidence going into the first major of the season, the ANA Inspiration.

"It gives me a lot of confidence but like I said you never know what's going to happen tomorrow," she added.

"I've been playing consistently well and I'm happy with that and it's good to see the hard work I put in in the off-season and all the work we've put in as a team pay off.

"It's a really happy moment but I have to focus for next week and I'm really excited to go back to ANA."

Japan's Ai Miyazato (66) finished seven shots adrift, while Park Sung-hyun (72) and Jenny Shin (72) were a stroke further back in a tie for fourth.

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