By Beth Ann Nichols

Eun-Hee Ji snapped an eight-year winless streak with a six-shot romp in Taiwan over former World No. 1 Lydia Ko. The 2009 U.S. Women's Open winner was up putting on the hotel carpet in the early-morning hours of the final round.

"I couldn't sleep at all," said the 31-year-old Ji, who tied for second at the 2015 Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship.

Ji, who finished at 17-under 271, became the 22nd different winner on the LPGA in 2017 and the 15th player from South Korea. Now a three-time winner on the LPGA, Ji has $5,384,371 in career earnings.

"I like Taipei always," said Ji, who has a particular affection for the dumplings and windy conditions. "I play great when I come here."

Ji had cracked the top 10 only twice in 2017 before coming to Taiwan. Since her Women's Open victory at Saucon Valley eight years ago, she had yet to finish in the top 30 on the LPGA money list.

"I was waiting for this moment for so long," Ji said.

Ko's victory drought isn't nearly as long (June 2016) but certainly carries more weight. The 20-year-old Kiwi notched her third runner-up finish of the season in Taiwan with birdies on her last two holes.

"I'll take my 65," said Ko.

Unofficial hostess Yani Tseng, a former No. 1 who brought the LPGA to her native Taiwan in 2011 at the height of her career, was pleased with the number of fans who came out on Sunday after the sun broke through. Tseng closed with a 69 to take a share of 17th.

"I haven't played this well for four or five years; I've never been this good," said Tseng. "Even the score is not showing as much yet, but I know I'm (moving) toward the good direction. I know I can win. It's just a matter of time."

Current No. 1 So Yeon Ryu highlighted a strong field at Miramar Golf and Country Club. Ryu knocked off 10 shots from Saturday's round, closing with a 65 to climb into a tie for third with Lizette Salas, Carlota Ciganda, Shanshan Feng and Madalene Sagstrom.

"I struggled with my game since the British Open," said Ryu, "and then I think since last week in Korea, I started to feel like I'm slowly getting better and better, and today I feel really great."

Labels: LPGA TOUR