Nasa Hataoka wins Kia Classic for 3rd LPGA Tour victory
CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Nasa Hataoka won the Kia Classic on Sunday at Aviara Golf Club for her third victory in her last 16 LPGA Tour starts.
The 20-year-old Japanese player closed with a 5-under 67 for a three-stroke victory over playing partner Inbee Park, top-ranked Sung Hyun Park, Jin Young Ko, Azahara Munoz and Danielle Kang.
Hataoka shot a 64 on Saturday to pull within a stroke of Inbee Park entering the final round in the final event before the major ANA Inspiration next week.
Hataoka finished at 18-under 270. She won the NW Arkansas Championship and Japan Classic last year.
Winless in 12 months, Inbee Park had a 71 to miss a chance for her 20th LPGA Tour victory. Sung Hyun Park also shot 71, Ko and Kang had 65s, and Munoz a 68. Ko won the Founders Cup last week in Phoenix.
Hyo Joo Kim matched the course record with a 62 to tie for seventh at 14 under.
