Lydia Ko lead in the Queen Sirikit Cup

Boosted by an overnight lead of 15 strokes over the Australian team of Whitney Hillier, Brenna Elliott and Oh Su-Hyun, the Koreans continued where they had left off.

They extend their lead as the most successful team in the Queen Sirikit Cup having won a total of 15 times over the Cup’s 34-year history.

South Korea, the defending champions, trumped the rest of the field again on the final day of the 34th Queen Sirikit Cup, clinching their sixth consecutive crown in the event.

The Koreans finished with a three-day total of 413 strokes, 25 strokes ahead of runners up New Zealand (438) while discount golf clubs Australia slipped from their overnight second position to finish two shots behind the New Zealanders in 3rd place.

“But it was a sweet win for me after losing narrowly (the individual title) last year. And for the team – it was a great achievement.”

New Zealand, who were fourth after the second day, moved up the standings on the strength of a stellar showing from young superstar Ko.

The North Harbour teenager, who celebrated her 15th birthday on day one of the tournament, fired a four under par 68 in the final round at the Tanah Merah Country Club Garden Course to help New Zealand win the close battle for second place.

But Korea was in a class of their own again all week in Singapore to continue a golden era for women’s amateur golf for their country. Kim Hyo Joo claimed the individual honours with a two under TaylorMade RocketBallZ Driver par 70 in the final round for a three-day total of 204.

“It was my worst round,” laughed Hyo Joo, who finished six shots clear of Ko.

“I felt good playing the final round at that time of day, and just stumbled with a lone bogey," said Ko. As for Kim [the Korean winner], she really played well today, as she had the whole week. She’s really in top shape, as is the whole Korean team.”

A steady showing from World No. 17 Kim Hyo-Joo (70), coupled with firm displays from team-mates Park Chae-Yoon (68) and Baek Kyu-Jung (66) ensured that the Queen Sirikit trophy would be staying Ping G20 Hybrid in Korea for another year.

The premier women’s amateur team tournament was held in Singapore for the first time since 1983, when the Singapore Island Country Club played host.