Charley Hull wrapped up a strong week in South Korea by helping the World team defeat Japan to clinch third place at the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown, while Australia celebrated a well-earned victory against the United States in the final.
Hull, competing at the New Korea Country Club, delivered another confident performance in the singles matches. She overpowered Japan’s Ayaka Furue, winning 4&3, and closed out the tournament with a 3-1-1 record. Her consistency proved vital as the World team bounced back from earlier defeats to secure the consolation result.
Lydia Ko added the second and decisive point by beating Rio Takeda 3&2, ensuring the World team crossed the finishing line first in the playoff.
In the championship match, Australia made sure they would not leave South Korea empty-handed after falling just short in 2023. Minjee Lee and Hannah Green stepped up when it mattered most, each sealing 2&1 wins over Angel Yin and Yealimi Noh to hand the Aussies the coveted title.
Their victory meant that the ongoing foursomes contest involving Stephanie Kyriacou and Grace Kim no longer held any impact on the final scoreboard, as Green had already closed out her match on the 17th.
Across the Ladies European Tour, England celebrated another impressive showing. Cara Gainer finished tied for fourth at the Wistron Ladies Open, securing an eight-under-par total at Sunrise Golf and Country Club. Local star Yani Tseng delighted the home fans by winning the tournament at 14 under.
Gainer shared fourth place with Chinese Taipei’s Teresa Lu and Ching Huang, as well as Thailand’s Nook Sukapan. Just one shot behind them was England’s Lottie Woad, who finished among a group that included defending champion Chiara Tamburlini, Patcharajutar Kongkraphan and Ya Chun Chang.
Wales’ Darcey Harry did not have the week she hoped for, but she walked away with a highlight moment after hitting a hole-in-one at the second hole during the final round.
