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Baena triumphs in New Jersey
04 July 2005
Colombia's Marisa Baena kept her nerve to win the inaugural HSBC Women's World Match Play title at Hamilton Farm, New Jersey on Sunday.
Victory on the 18th hole over Korea's Meena Lee earned the 60th seed a record first prize of $500,000 and a first LPGA title.
"It's amazing," said Baena moments after Lee conceded the final hole. "I love match play and I've been waiting for this moment since I turned pro."
The 23-year-old had been in control at three up with four to play, but birdies from Lee on 15 and 16 meant the Championship went to the final hole.
Baena went on to praise tournament sponsor HSBC and the event. "I think it's unbelievable that HSBC came through with this tournament. We need an event like this."
Media enquiries to pressoffice@hsbc.com
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