CINCINNATI, Ohio (Kyodo) — Japan’s Nasa Hataoka shot a 3-under 69 in Sunday’s final round of the Kroger Queen City Championship to finish tied for 20th, her 7-under 281 four-day total leaving her 15 strokes back from winner Ally Ewing of the United States.
Hataoka was in second place after carding a 65 in the opening round, but the six-time LPGA winner dropped out of contention after shooting 70 and 77 on the second and third days, respectively.
“I made a good start on the opening day, so it’s a little frustrating,” said Hataoka, who will defend her title at the NW Arkansas Championship later this month. “I have next week off, so I want to prepare well and head into the Arkansas Championship with confidence.”
Overnight leader Ewing shot a final day 66 to finish at 22-under and hold off China’s Lin Xiyu by one stroke. Mexico’s Maria Fassi was third at 16-under.
Among the other Japanese players, Yuka Saso tied for 33rd at 5-under and Ayako Uehara tied for 42nd two shots further back.
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