Miyazato 8th at LPGA Tour Cship, finishes 3rd on money list

November 25, 2009

Japans Ai Miyazato wrapped up the best season of her US LPGA career in style Monday, climbing into a tie for eighth at the Tour Championship and her 13th top-10 finish of the year.

Miyazato had six birdies and three bogeys in the final round for a 6-under 210 total and finished third on the 2009 money list behind Jiyai Shin and Cristie Kerr with $1,517,149.

The 24-year-old from Okinawa was in a tie for 14th at the completion of the second round earlier in the day at Houstonian Golf and Country Club.

I stayed focused and played well today. A bogey-bogey finish was a bit disappointing, though, Miyazato said. I have no regrets about my year. I never missed the cut. That makes me think I got better.

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden shot a 65 to reach 13-under 203 and win the season-ending event by two strokes.

Lorena Ochoa (67) finished second to earn the Player of the Year title for the fourth consecutive year.

Shin (73), the Rookie of the Year and money list leader, shared eighth place in the season-ending event and finished just short of a title sweep, losing to Ochoa by one point in the Player of the Year race.

Miyazato is scheduled to play at the Japan LPGA Tour Championship beginning Thursday in Miyazaki city.