NEWS

Tseng captures State Farm Classic, Kerr gets third runner-up in a row

By Associated Press
Published on
Tseng captures State Farm Classic, Kerr gets third runner-up in a row

Top-ranked Yani Tseng of Taiwan closed with a 4-under 68 to win the State Farm Classic on Sunday, handing Cristie Kerr her third straight second-place finish.

Tseng had a 21-under 267 total on the Panther Creek course for her seventh tour title in four years. She also won the season-opening LPGA Thailand this year.

"I just kept telling myself: `Focus! Focus!'" said Tseng, who was bogey-free over the final two rounds. "I missed a couple of putts but I still was able to make some birdies."

Tseng bought retired Swedish star Annika Sorenstam's house -- with its giant trophy case -- in Florida in 2009.

"I go back to my house and see all that empty space and I try to fill it up," Tseng said. "I want to put all my amateur trophies in there and get closer."

Kerr, the 2010 winner, finished three strokes back, shooting a 67.

"I played good. I just needed to get some of those putts to the hole, give 'em a chance to go in," Kerr said. "It would have been nice to make birdie on the last hole, but it didn't matter. She was too far ahead."

Paula Creamer and Brittany Lincicome (70) were equal third at 16 under.

This could be the final State Farm Classic on the LPGA Tour. The title sponsor, State Farm Insurance Companies, has declined to renew its commitment after this year and a replacement sponsor has yet to be found, putting the event in danger of folding.