England’s Charley Hull finished runner-up to rising star Xi Yu Lin at the Sanya Ladies Open in tropical Hainan, China.  

Lady Golfer columnist Hull reached nine under for the tournament which was enough for sole possession of second place – five shots behind fellow 18-year-old Lin.

The Chinese youngster fired rounds of 68, 67 and 67 in hot and windy conditions for a 14-under-par total of 202 becoming the first home winner in five years of the tournament, which is tri-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET), China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA) and Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT).

Hull, who sit a final round 69 was pleased with her performance.  
I’m pretty happy with the way I’m putting and I’m not missing any short putts like I did here last year" “It was a good day and I’m happy with how I’m playing,” she said. 

“It was windy out there again today. I nearly holed so many long putts today, 30 footers, but they were all on the edge. 

“I’m pretty happy with the way I’m putting and I’m not missing any short putts like I did here last year so I’m happy and looking forward to next week.”

Lin paid tribute to her mum for the victory who she thinks could be a good luck charm.

“I think this is the biggest win of my career because it’s my first win on the Ladies European Tour,” Lin said. 

“My mum was with me this week and she always brings me good luck, because in 2012, she came to watch me for the first time in two years when I won my first professional career win on the CLPGA. 

“This time she came and I earned my first win on the Ladies European Tour, so I think she’s kind of my lucky star.”

Next up is the inaugural Xiamen Open, which is co-sanctioned by the LET and CLPGA, taking place next week at Orient (Xiamen) Golf & Country Club.

For more golf news, discussion and videos follow @NCGmagazine on Twitter, like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube video channel, and sign up to our newsletter

James Savage

Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.

Handicap: 17

Subscribe to NCG