(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Charley Hull Clinches Kroger Queen City Championship After Dramatic Final-Hole Collapse by Jeeno Thitikul
CINCINNATI: England’s Charley Hull claimed her third LPGA Tour title on Sunday, taking advantage of a stunning final-hole slip from world No.1 Jeeno Thitikul to win the Kroger Queen City Championship at TPC River’s Bend.
Thitikul, who held a one-shot lead after Hull bogeyed the 17th, faltered with a costly four-putt on the par-5 18th. From about 50 feet, she missed both a five-foot birdie attempt and a short comebacker, handing Hull the chance to seal victory.
Hull calmly two-putted from 30 feet, sinking a nervy two-footer to finish with a 4-under 68 and a 20-under total of 268, securing her first LPGA win since 2022.
Battling Through Injuries
The 29-year-old Hull’s triumph came despite recent struggles with injuries to her ankle and back.
“I tore a ligament in my foot just after the British Open, and doctors said it could take nine weeks,” Hull revealed. “I managed to turn it around in three weeks and got back out here. I’ve also been dealing with a back injury from earlier in the season. It’s been tough, but I kept pushing.”
Her resilience paid off as she added to her LPGA titles and four Ladies European Tour victories.
Final Leaderboard Highlights
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Charley Hull (England): 268 (-20)
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Jeeno Thitikul (Thailand): 268 (-20, lost on final hole)
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Lottie Woad (England): 270 (-18)
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Miyu Yamashita (Japan): 271 (-17)
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Nelly Korda (USA): 273 (-15)
Thitikul, who matched Hull with a closing 68, missed the chance to become the first multiple winner of the LPGA season after her final-hole meltdown.
Hull’s Hard Work Pays Off
Coming off a runner-up finish at last week’s Aramco event in Houston, Hull said her recent setbacks had helped her refocus.
“It’s been a rocky couple of months — fainting at Evian, injuring my back, then my ankle. But I’ve been grinding hard at home and practicing non-stop,” Hull said. “Hard work pays off, and today it really did.”
✅ Key Takeaway: Charley Hull’s determination and resilience carried her to a memorable win, while Jeeno Thitikul’s rare stumble highlighted the unpredictable drama of elite golf.
